Graduate Teacher Program

Boolarra Primary School is situated in a picturesque rural setting, at the hills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Central Gippsland Victoria. Boolarra is a small town of approximately 1000 residents (including outlining areas). Boolarra Primary School is an integral part of the community which is reflected in the motto “Connected to the Community, Dedicated to Learning”. The Boolarra community is both vibrant and active which enables the school to link with community organisations such as Boolarra Community Development Group, Boolarra Folk Festival Group, Boolarra Football and Netball Club. As part of the community the school will continue to foster and develop links within the Boolarra Community,

As a small rural with an enrolment between 80-85 students staff and students have the capacity to build positive relationships with all. During 2017 we introduced the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program and this work continues to be a main focus for 2018. The main aim of the program is promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours at Boolarra Primary School. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

Our teachers aim to have all students making learning progress and programs are adapted so all students can access and develop their skills as well as knowledge. At every grade level we have students working at, above or below the expected level.  Our teachers differentiate the curriculum in all classes. Small class sizes range around 21 students allow for optimal learning opportunities and individualised explicit teaching for every student.   Staffing at Boolarra Primary School consists of 7 teaching staff (several on a part time basis), 4 Education Support Staff all working part time along with a Business Manager working 3 days per week. In 2017 (four home groups operated:  two Foundation / One/Two’s, a 3/4 and a 5/6. Mandarin classes have been conducted across the school for half an hour each week, keyboard lessons are an option on a user pays basis.

The school sits on the border of the South Gippsland and Latrobe Valley school networks but is affiliated with the Latrobe Valley network.  Our foundation students are drawn predominantly from the local pre-school and the majority of graduating grade six students move on to attend Mirboo North Secondary College, although many students are eligible to attend Kurnai College in Churchill.

SC1         Demonstrated understanding of initiatives in student learning including the Principles of Learning and Teaching P-12 and Assessment and Reporting Advice and the capacity to implement and evaluate learning and teaching programs in accordance with the Victorian curriculum.

SC2         Demonstrated understanding of how students learn and effective classroom teaching strategies and the capacity to work with colleagues to continually improve teaching and learning. 

SC3         Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning data and to use this data to inform teaching for improved student learning.

SC4         Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills and high level interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with parents, other employees and the broader school community to focus on student learning, wellbeing and engagement.

SC5         Demonstrated commitment to continually improving teaching quality and capacity through the application of knowledge, skills and expertise derived from ongoing professional development and learning

The primary focus of the range 1 classroom teacher is on further developing skills and competencies to become an effective classroom practitioner with structured support and guidance from teachers at higher levels and the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes.

These teachers teach a range of students/classes and are accountable for the effective delivery of their programs.  Range 1 classroom teachers are skilled teachers who operate under general direction within clear guidelines following established work practices and documented priorities and may have responsibility for the supervision and training of one or more student teachers.

At range 1, teachers participate in the development of school policies and programs and assist in the implementation of school priorities. 
The focus of a range 1 classroom teacher is on classroom management, subject content and teaching practice.  New entrants to the teaching profession in their initial teaching years receive structured support, mentoring and guidance from teachers at higher levels.

Under guidance, new entrants to the teaching profession will plan and teach student groups in one or more subjects and are expected to participate in induction programs and other professional learning activities that are designed to ensure the integration of curriculum, assessment and pedagogy across the school.

Teachers at range 1 are responsible for teaching their own classes and may also assist and participate in policy development, project teams and the organisation of co-curricula activities.

Core responsibilities include:

- Planning and implementing a range of teaching programs or
courses of study

- Teaching an area of the curriculum or a general curriculum to a
year level

- Monitoring, evaluating and reporting student progress in key
learning areas

- Implementing strategies to achieve targets related to student
learning outcomes

- Maintaining records of class attendance and recording student
progress

- Implementing effective student management consistent with the
school charter.

- Working with a mentor to participate in professional development
planning, implementation and reflection developing a professional
portfolio

Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

- Supervising a range of student activities including support and
welfare programs

- Contributing to a range of co-curricular programs

For the purpose of the Teacher Graduate Recruitment Program, graduate applicant eligibility is defined as a four-year trained qualified teacher who has completed all course requirements and graduated within the last four years; and not employed as a teacher by the Department at the time of the commencement of the advertised vacancy.  Applicants must also be currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

The Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces.

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the Department’s exemplar available at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.