The ASMS aims to serve as a national and international focal point for teaching and learning, professional development and research aimed at fostering improvement, innovation and reform in science and mathematics in Australian schools. The school is intended as a resource for every school in the State through its programs of professional development and curriculum enhancement supporting the implementation of challenging curriculum which takes into account the diversity of students' needs, learning styles and backgrounds.
State-wide Professional Development
In developing the ASMS Professional Development Strategy a number of underpinning operational and design principles have been drawn from research and good practice. These principles include
a focus on improved student performance and engagement
staff being involved in the design and planning
providing opportunities to develop theoretical understanding and skills needed
being a part of a comprehensive change process and school improvement plan
Professional development at the ASMS includes activities which are
continuous and ongoing involving observation, critique and reflection
primarily in school based contexts
based on school teams
being supported by multiple sources of information
Working in partnership with Flinders University is an important component of the professional learning of ASMS staff. The learning community of the school therefore includes all students, staff, Flinders University staff from the School of Education & Faculty of Informatics and Science, parents, industry and businesses as well as schools working with us in curriculum enhancement and professional development programs. The ASMS offers a program of professional development activities every term. Interested educators are invited to find out more information about the program and the activities on this site or contact Jayne Heath for more information.
ASMS Staff Professional Development
Professional learning of all staff at the ASMS is recognised as central to the development of innovative curriculum and pedagogy in the school. The ASMS aims to establish a network of individuals and organisations interested in the education of young people, with a particular focus in mathematics and science. The acknowledgement that staff and students are learners, leads to the establishment of the ASMS as a learning community in which we provide opportunities to learn from each other as well as from current local and global research. The Professional Development Policy outlines underlying beliefs about professional development practices and procedures in place to support these beliefs.
Individual Professional Development Plans
Each ASMS staff member designs a personal IPD Plan. We recognise that professional learning leads to improving student learning outcomes and acknowledge the diverse range of activities in which staff engage as part of their work. IPD Plans are designed to enable staff to self-manage, collaborate and to explore those aspects of their practice that they believe have the greatest potential to improve student learning outcomes. Collectively, these plans assist ASMS to address our identified key directions.