- Winners announced today for the WA Education Awards 2024
- Six WA public schools awarded for their excellence in leadership, teaching and learning, cultural responsiveness, disability and inclusion, and wellbeing
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti has today announced the winners of the WA Education Awards, with schools across WA recognised.
Morawa District High School, Gwynne Park Primary School, Applecross Senior High School, Bannister Creek Primary School, Beachlands Primary School, and Lockridge Primary School were named winners for leading the way in education excellence.
The WA Education Awards celebrate the achievements of public schools in Western Australia and recognise the positive impact they have on young people.
A new category was introduced in 2024: excellence in wellbeing and learning. This category recognises schools that excel in providing successful student engagement initiatives that enhance student achievement and create a sense of belonging and connection.
Winning schools were awarded $20,000, while the three finalists in each category received $5,000.
The WA Education Awards 2024 were sponsored by LIFT Alliance, Stott Hoare and Microsoft Surface, Edith Cowan University, The West Australian, and Maxxia.
Excellence in school leadership
Morawa District High School
Staff at Morawa District High School demonstrate excellent leadership with a united approach that creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Located in the Midwest on Yamaji Country, the school's leadership style involves high levels of collaboration to improve student success and community involvement. Morawa District High School also has a strong focus on literacy across the school, with dedicated leaders who share effective teaching methods that enable student achievement. The school also has a successful student leadership program, giving young learners the chance to grow their leadership skills and build a positive school culture.
Excellence in teaching and learning (primary)
Gwynne Park Primary School
Gwynne Park Primary School in Armadale is the hub of the local community where students develop a lifelong love of learning in a stimulating and fun setting. The school has outstanding education initiatives that have led to high student results, with consistent and collaborative quality teaching approaches that are embedded across the school as well as mentorship opportunities for new teachers. Staff at Gwynne Park Primary School also value community partnerships and positive engagement with families to ensure all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported to achieve their best. Other initiatives that support students' learning include a meditation garden, a Noongar six seasons yarning circle, and regular mindfulness activities.
Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary)
Applecross Senior High School
Staff at Applecross Senior High School are dedicated to consistently achieving high student results through comprehensive teaching and learning programs. The school's core values of mutual respect and personal best guide every aspect of education, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Students are equipped for success with effective ATAR and VET pathways, alongside strategic STEM initiatives and specialist arts and sports programs that promote creativity and resilience. The commitment to professional development for staff and a 'teachers leading teachers' model ensures ongoing innovation and reflection, enhancing the rich classroom learning experience for students.
Excellence in cultural responsiveness
Bannister Creek Primary School
Bannister Creek Primary School staff are committed to building culturally safe and engaging learning environments through a range of practical initiatives. Among them is the school's Aboriginal parent liaison group called Baldja Waangkiny (Talking Strong Together) where parents and Aboriginal leaders guide important cultural learning opportunities, projects, celebrations, and activities. Cultural education also flows out on to school grounds, with an outdoor classroom and Aboriginal six seasons trail where students learn about caring for Country, Aboriginal perspectives, language, plants, and animals. The school's Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) is also instrumental in leading cultural projects and supporting students to achieve their best.
Excellence in disability and inclusion
Beachlands Primary School
Located in Geraldton, Beachlands Primary School caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who are all encouraged to achieve their "Beachlands Best". At Beachlands Primary School, staff work together to create safe learning environments where students with diverse learning needs can thrive in a mainstream setting. There is a key focus on building the capability of staff to ensure they can better understand and support different needs of students. The leadership team and staff also work together with students, their families, health professionals, and the local community to ensure each child's learning journey is based on a collaborative approach.
Excellence in wellbeing and learning
Lockridge Primary School
By prioritising strong relationships with families and local organisations, Lockridge Primary School creates a supportive network that enhances both educational outcomes and personal growth. Initiatives, such as breakfast clubs and tailored mentoring programs, ensure that all students have access to the wellbeing resources they need to succeed. School staff also partner with various services to provide accessible support for students. Through implemented wellbeing strategies, school staff create a structured space where students can thrive academically and personally in a safe and rich learning environment.
Comments attributed to Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Congratulations to the winners of the WA Education Awards 2024.
"It is wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the excellence of our school staff who are instrumental in changing the lives of young people.
"With both regional and metropolitan schools represented in the award winners, I know our public schools across the State are delivering exceptional education opportunities for young Western Australians no matter their location.
"This year's new category, excellence in wellbeing and learning, was a fantastic addition to the awards program, highlighting the important work schools do to ensure students are thriving with their education.
"I'd like to thank all school staff for the work they do each and every day to deliver a high quality, innovative, and diverse education to all students."
