Beyond the Bell: The 2024 School Year in Review

As we approach the end of yet another busy and fast-paced school year, this is the perfect time to reflect on the year gone by while also looking ahead to 2025 and how to prepare yourself for another successful school year.

It is important to reflect on the school year to see what worked well and what needs more attention to better influence your approach to the 2025 school year. With this in mind, this month's blog will take you through some of the key takeaways from 2024 and the steps schools can take to ensure another successful school year in 2025.

Lessons Learned: What Worked and What Needs Attention

2024 has been another jam-packed school year with many successful initiatives; however, like any other school year, there have been challenges—some ongoing, some new—that schools will need to address to continue their positive trajectory.

What Worked Well

Mental health initiatives: Across Australia, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in education from both a student and staff perspective. This is apparent in the amount of resources and initiatives now available for schools which are also being supported by the state-based Education Departments.

An example of this from a student perspective is the Big Talks for Little People program. The program, developed by Flinders University and supported by the South Australian Department of Education, is aimed at introducing mental health and wellbeing concepts to primary school students. According to The Educator, ongoing research continues to uphold the program's effectiveness, and continual updates have been made to tailor it to Australian classrooms better and diversify its content.

In an article recently published by The Educator, more than half of Australia's teachers struggle with anxiety and nearly one-fifth are battling depression. According to the teachers themselves, one of the root causes of this is unsustainable workloads. With this glaring statistic, it is important that schools also have mental health initiatives in place for their staff. Organisations such as AISNSW have full-scope wellbeing plans in place for schools to use to assist with the wellbeing of their teachers.

Teacher professional development: The demand for ongoing professional development for teachers has never been more critical as the country grapples with a serious teacher retention problem. The Department of Education Victoria states that "effective professional learning leads to improved teacher knowledge, skills and practice. It has the power to shift attitudes, behaviours, relationships and everyday interactions."

Earlier this year, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) recommended changes to the way teachers undergo their professional development to the NSW Government. According to The Educator, this change allows teachers to choose the most suitable professional learning pathway, ultimately giving them greater flexibility and a more tailored focus. Prue Car, the NSW Education Minister, said in a statement, "To improve student outcomes, we need to provide high-quality, evidence-based professional learning for teachers, not tie them up in red tape and restrictive requirements that do not add value to their teaching".

Cyber security and data protection: In 2024, schools across Australia took significant steps to enhance cyber security and protect the sensitive information they hold about students, families, and staff. Recognising the growing risks of cyber threats, many schools upgraded their digital infrastructure, strengthened data protection protocols, and implemented staff training on cyber security best practices. Resources such as the Essential Eight Model produced by the Australian Government provide guidance on protecting organisations' technology networks and systems.

These proactive cyber security measures not only protect against potential data breaches but also ensure compliance with privacy regulations, reinforcing trust within the school community. By prioritising cyber security, schools are better equipped to manage digital threats and protect the sensitive data essential to a safe and efficient learning environment.

What Needs Improving

Learning gaps and equity: Despite progress in many areas, learning gaps remain a significant challenge. Students from rural and remote areas, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and Indigenous students continue to experience disparities in access to resources, learning opportunities, and education outcomes. This is also evident with online and digital learning in a post-COVID-19 world. A report published by WorkVentures states that two in five Year 6 students and a quarter of Year 10 students do not have access to a computer outside of school and that 84% of students with inadequate access to a computer had trouble finishing class work and assignments. Closing these gaps will require targeted interventions, tailored support programs, and investment in resources to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Teacher burnout and retention: As stated earlier, Australian educators face significant challenges related to workload, stress, and burnout. The teaching profession continues to grapple with high levels of attrition, with many teachers leaving the profession. According to Federal Government modelling, it is forecast that 50,000 teachers will have permanently left the profession between 2022 and 2025. Check out one of our previous blogs, where we took a closer look at the teacher retention issue and some things that schools can do to foster a positive environment.

Parent & community engagement: While some schools have made great strides in engaging parents and communities, there's still work to be done. Parental involvement has been shown to improve student achievement, yet many schools face challenges in reaching all families. As stated in a previous blog, parents aren't just spectators but co-authors in their child's educational journey. Fostering their engagement creates a robust support system for students. Solutions like TASS that offer a Parent Portal and a native parent app enable parents to track progress, schedule meetings and receive instant updates, boosting their involvement in their child's education. This transparency fosters a sense of involvement and enables parents to provide timely support and encouragement.

Ongoing cost of living: The rising cost of living is a growing concern that affects families, students, and school operations alike. As expenses increase, schools face budget pressures that impact the availability of resources, extra curricular activities, and support programs. Addressing these financial constraints may require innovative budgeting, community partnerships, and additional support for families facing economic hardship. Schools that find ways to offer essential services while remaining financially accessible will be better equipped to meet the needs of their communities.

Preparing for a Successful 2025 School Year

As schools look toward 2025, building on the successes and addressing the challenges of 2024 will be key. Prioritising mental health and wellbeing initiatives for both students and staff, especially those that address workload and resilience, can create a healthier learning environment. Targeted support programs and personalised learning will be essential to closing learning gaps, while improved teacher development and digital access will help students and educators thrive. Strengthening parental and community engagement through accessible tools and proactive communication will foster a collaborative network that supports students. Finally, effective budgeting and resource management can help schools remain resilient amid rising costs, ensuring they continue delivering quality education.

As we approach the end of 2024, it's clear that Australian schools are making positive strides in critical areas, from mental health to professional development. Yet, the challenges of learning disparities, teacher retention, community engagement, and financial pressures remain prominent. By reflecting on the past year and setting clear goals, schools can foster a supportive, inclusive, and effective educational environment. Here's to a rewarding and resilient 2025 for students, staff, and communities alike.