In 2001 schools face the challenges of the continued implementation of a number of recent Board of Studies syllabuses and the implementation of the new School Certificate and HSC. In addition, 2001 will bring a K-10 review which will consolidate the overall curriculum K-12 in NSW. Teachers will need further opportunities to expand their personal knowledge and understanding of new subject content, skills and approaches to programming and assessment. Outcomes-based programming, assessment and reporting together with standards-referenced marking will dominate staff meetings and professional development workshops again this year.

The AIS provides a wide range of support services to member schools including the following:

the dissemination of information
the provision of quality professional development programs
within school consultancy services
liaison with other educational agencies
co-ordination of externally funded programs and initiatives

To assist teachers in independent schools, the AIS professional development team of consultants and school-based convenors have proposed workshops, presentations and conferences to address these issues at faculty and classroom level. The AIS is also holding conferences for school executives designed to assist schools to maximise the opportunities for change created by the introduction of the New HSC.

Through the activities outlined in this calendar and available to you through individual school consultancy, AIS hopes to provide independent schools with support to meet the challenges of change.

The AIS professional development program this year includes:

Conferences - a number of primary and secondary conferences designed specifically to support schools to consider and implement new Board of Studies syllabuses and assessment processes.

Series - a range of professional development days offered in series, so that you can choose to "dip your toes" into an area or pursue your learning in depth.

Technology - a growing range of courses in skill development as well as in using information technology effectively in the classroom.

Skills - courses which address skills in other professional dimensions of school life such as faculty and pastoral care leadership.

These professional development activities have been designed to combine support for the immediate classroom needs of teachers as well as opportunities for the development of leadership and management skills - a combination we hope will assist with the growth of independent schools as learning communities.

We look forward to welcoming you and your colleagues to the AIS professional development program.

JULIE THOMPSON
Director: Professional Development
jthompson@aisnsw.edu.au

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