Sandringham College's Morning Ritual Boosts VCE Results
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The Quiet Revolution in Australian Schools
Sandringham College’s transformation from struggling school to academic powerhouse has garnered attention, but what drives this change? It’s not about throwing more resources at the problem or introducing new technology. Instead, it’s about changing how students learn and teachers teach.
At the heart of Sandringham College’s success is a simple yet radical morning routine. Every day, students arrive without making a sound, settling into their seats for five minutes of silent reflection and focus. This daily ritual has become a hallmark of the school’s approach to learning.
The benefits are clear: better attendance, improved grades, and higher ATAR scores. According to Amy Porter, Sandringham College’s principal, this approach creates an environment where students feel supported and encouraged to excel. “We want our students to know they’re expected to perform at their best,” she says.
This method is backed by research, which suggests that explicit instruction – teaching concepts step-by-step with clear explanations and demonstrations – can significantly improve student outcomes. Sandringham College has committed to rolling out this approach across the school, one of only a few secondary schools in Victoria to do so.
The college’s emphasis on positive behaviour and non-negotiable standards sends a clear message to students: they’re expected to strive for excellence, not just meet minimum requirements. Year 11 student Anastasia Saluni reflects this ethos: “It doesn’t matter if someone is a C-plus student, as long as we’re doing our best, that’s all that matters.”
Implementing and maintaining this culture won’t be easy, but research suggests that schools like Sandringham College can have a profound impact on individual students and entire communities.
The significance of Sandringham College’s approach extends to the education sector. By prioritizing student-centred learning, creating a culture of positive behaviour, and embracing innovative teaching methods, schools can unlock their students’ potential and create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.
Reader Views
- TDThe Decor Desk · editorial
It's refreshing to see a school put student discipline and academic rigor ahead of trendy teaching methods and social-emotional learning buzzwords. However, while Sandringham College's morning ritual is undeniably effective, one wonders how sustainable this approach will be in the long term. As schools continue to prioritize explicit instruction, it's essential that teachers are also equipped with the skills to adapt their own practice, rather than simply following a scripted routine. Will educators be empowered to innovate and respond to individual students' needs, or will this formulaic approach lead to stifled creativity?
- PLPetra L. · interior stylist
It's fascinating to see Sandringham College's morning ritual yielding impressive results, but I'd love to know more about how this approach translates to students with diverse learning needs and abilities. As someone who's worked in education, I'm aware that one-size-fits-all approaches can be problematic. Has the school adjusted their explicit instruction methods to accommodate students with dyslexia or other special requirements? How do they support students who may struggle to sit still or focus during these quiet mornings? These are crucial questions to explore in order to truly replicate this success elsewhere.
- WAWill A. · diy renter
While I applaud Sandringham College's efforts to shake up traditional teaching methods, I'm concerned that this article glosses over the potential drawbacks of enforced silence and focus in a morning ritual. For students who struggle with anxiety or sensory sensitivities, five minutes of quiet reflection can be overwhelming rather than calming. What about accommodations for these students? How does the school balance individual needs with the demands of a rigorous program?