As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
Teachers at St Gertrude’s Catholic Primary School Smithfield actively engage in various opportunities for professional learning. In recent years we have utilised opportunities to host professional learning on contemporary practice, not only for our staff but others schools in our cluster. Thus enabling professional collaboration with peers.
We work closely with experts in our local Catholic Colleges who have supported our staff with professional learning in Science and STEM. We seek out opportunities for our staff to visit other schools as well as showcase great practice for teachers visiting our schools.