TAS White Rock Primary is thrilled to announce that it has once again been honoured with the 5-Star Innovative School Award, marking the third year in a row the school has received this recognition. This award is given to schools that exemplify forward-thinking, pioneering approaches to education—qualities that TAS White Rock embodies through its commitment to innovation and excellence.

At TAS, the work environment for educators is designed to inspire and support passion-driven teaching. The school fosters a culture where motivated teachers thrive, collaborate, and explore new approaches to meet the diverse needs of their students. Central to this is the school’s Empowerment of Excellence program, which has had a profound impact on both educators and students, particularly in the areas of personalised learning and creative curriculum design. The program is implemented across all grades (P-6) and is driven by teachers’ own initiatives. When educators identify a gap or opportunity in their students’ learning, they are encouraged to research, develop, and introduce innovative programs to address these needs.

One standout example of this approach is the Year 4 Maths Galore Program. Developed to engage students in the real-world application of mathematical concepts, the program covers topics ranging from probability and managing money to spatial geometry. By demonstrating how maths can solve everyday problems, the program has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for mathematics among students, leading to improved understanding and higher assessment results. This is reflected in the school’s PAT Testing, which shows a significant increase in Standard Nine scores for geometry and spatial relations across the Year 4 cohort.

Another initiative is the Year 5 ‘From Garden to Plate’ program, which blends sustainability education with hands-on life skills. Students are actively involved in every stage—from planting and nurturing the school garden to harvesting and preparing healthy meals. This experiential learning approach not only teaches valuable lessons in biology, ecology, and nutrition, but also fosters a deep sense of environmental responsibility and the importance of sustainable living. The success of the program is measured by the academic growth of students, as well as their increased awareness of sustainable practices and healthy eating habits.

These initiatives benefit not only students but also the educators themselves. Teachers at TAS are given the autonomy to explore and adapt the Australian Curriculum in ways that reflect their unique teaching styles and passions. This freedom enables them to design programs that engage students and produce measurable academic success. The result is not just enhanced student outcomes but also increased teacher satisfaction and professional fulfillment.

TAS White Rock Primary is committed to creating an environment where like-minded educators can collaborate, share ideas, and grow together in an ever-evolving educational landscape. As the school continues to embrace new challenges and opportunities, it remains dedicated to shaping future generations through innovative, dynamic, and personalised learning experiences.