Cabramatta High School (New South Wales) – More than the 3Rs
This story is from one of the project schools of the Values Education Study (2002–03). It first appeared in Values Education in Action: Case Studies from 12 Values Education Schools(2004). The full report is available as a PDF on the Resources page.
Context
At Cabramatta High School, in Sydney’s west, 97.4 per cent of the students are from non-English speaking backgrounds. Approximately 60 per cent have been in Australia for fewer than seven years. The school undertook the following activities to build stronger home–school partnerships to better support student learning.
Strategies
1 Values survey
A random sample of students in Years 7–12, parents and teachers was asked the following questions.
- What is the importance of education in life?
- What are the three most important things you want – for any child/for your child at school?
- What do you think we should be teaching children at school?
- What do we want our students to be doing when they leave school?
- What do you want your child to be doing when he/she leaves school
This survey revealed that there was agreement among teachers, parents and students regarding the importance of education. It was agreed that knowledge provided options, that education continued throughout life and that society benefited from having educated people who were able to contribute positively.
Three major aspects identified were: the need for basic knowledge and sound educational outcomes and self-esteem. While students indicated that they wanted a successful career path as a result of their education, parents generally acknowledged that for them it was far more important that their children develop ethical values and good morals/manners.
The desirable focus of teaching was described in terms of cooperation, interrelationships and harmony for a multicultural society. In terms of student futures, parents and staff were concerned about students becoming responsible citizens while students hoped for satisfying full-time employment, to be happy and to achieve a contented lifestyle.
2 Video
A video was produced highlighting the shared academic and social values of the school, along with community pathways for the future. The video involved current and ex-students in all stages of its production and the premiere was held at a major multilingual parent/student/teacher forum.
3 Forums
Forum one introduced the project to parents, students and staff; Forum two presented findings and future visions.
Outcomes and advice
Students saw their participation in the project as equal and important. They now articulate, to a greater degree, pride in their school and what education achieves in their lives. There has also been a significant increase in student participation in extracurricular activities.
The results of the survey challenged assumptions made by staff about the parent body. Staff had previously thought that parents were solely concerned about academic outcomes, but the responses signalled a much broader range of desired outcomes.