Schools adopt scripts

The program will be implemented in January with an aim of streamlining lesson delivery and student learning, with all teachers receiving the same structured “scripts” for each lesson at every Sandhurst school.

This system will be rolled out to all Sandhurst schools across the Goulburn Valley, including colleges such as St Augustine’s College in Kyabram, St Joseph’s College in Echuca, St Anne’s College in Kialla, Notre Dame College in Shepparton and St Mary of the Angels Secondary College in Nathalia, in addition to 14 primary schools.

“You could walk into any of our 60 learning centres at any given time and see the same thing (being taught),” Ms Fogarty said.

The lessons were developed in partnership with “high-calibre” teachers and not-for-profit educational organisation Ochre.

All teachers across the Sandhurst Diocese will participate in professional learning before the school year begins to prepare them to integrate this style of teaching into their lessons.

“A lot of (classes) will see their teachers using scripts ... teaching in a way that we and the parents can be absolutely assured that the Victorian curriculum is being taught with fidelity across every class,” Ms Fogarty said.

She explained that these pre-planned lessons would eliminate inconsistencies in teacher knowledge, creating a more equitable learning environment for all students.

“We know teachers are great at a million different things, but not everyone’s an expert on every component of fractions,” Ms Fogarty said.

“This gives them the language and tools to do that with fidelity and to make sure the kids get the exact learning experience we want them to get.”

Ms Fogarty said the program was based on the latest research in educational practices, combining evidence-based practices in teaching and learning with data collected at Sandhurst schools to find ways to support a student’s individual needs.

She said there would be “interventions” in place in the program to support students if they do not respond to the planned lesson plans.

The program was partly made in response to the teacher deficit across the state. A government Victorian Teacher Supply and Demand report revealed there were over 1000 teacher vacancies in 2024, a number that is expected to rise to 5000 by 2028.

Ms Fogarty believes this program will boost teacher retention by reducing after-hours lesson planning, allowing educators to dedicate more time to individual student needs and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

She said she expected teachers could gain back “a bit more” than three hours in their week usually spent lesson planning.

“In the first year, it is a $5 million investment ... so a very sizeable investment in our teachers to ensure that the best quality learning is happening for our students at every level, from early learning all the way through to Year 12,” Ms Fogarty said.

St Anne’s College principal Anthony Butts said the new program was in line with student needs.

“Consistency in academic development and personal development is crucial to a child's learning at school in their time at school,” Mr Butts said.

“What we’re now going to have is we’re not just going to have consistency from day to day.

“We’re going to have consistency from week to week, term to term, year to year.”

Mr Butts said the program would be implemented alongside upgrades to the college’s buildings.

“When parents come in to see it (the school) next year, they’re going to see some really exciting things happening in their classrooms,” he said.

“We’re particularly excited as it’s with our new facilities and our new senior building, which will be open next year ... our new robotics lab.”