For teachers

Overview

The Compass project aims to increase school completion rates and raise school and community expectations, student attainment and aspiration in both primary and secondary schools.

The Compass project also focuses on:

• adding value through staff capacity-building programs and curriculum and student learning support and
• the important role of parents in increasing student attainment and aspirations.

Staff capacity-building programs (teacher development)

Teachers in Compass schools have a unique opportunity to participate in a range of FREE teacher professional development programs offered through the University of Sydney, from project-specific skills training and one-day/short-term courses through to postgraduate study programs.

Short courses

The Faculty of Education and Social Work’s Professional Learning (PL) at the University of Sydney is endorsed by the NSW Institute of Teachers to provide Institute Registered professional development for the maintenance of accreditation at Professional Competence.

PL offer a comprehensive range of literacy-focussed training courses ranging from one day to intensive Certificate programs.

Other professional development opportunities

These include:

• University-based professional learning days to build organisational knowledge of university faculties
• Support to develop and implement learning projects in-school e.g. film production and editing, speech therapy and reading tutoring.

Library resources

Compass teachers are invited to use the University of Sydney libraries online resources, including short and interactive learning tools:

• Writing, citing and referencing
• Curriculum guides

Curriculum and student learning support

The University of Sydney supports curriculum and student learning support in Compass schools through the provision of online resources, campus tours, school visits, skills training opportunities as well as involvement in a range of projects and activities including, but not limited to:

• Visits to the University of Sydney for cultural or learning activities
• Visits to primary and secondary schools by University students and staff, to support programs and learning activities
• Student experience days at the University for years 3 and 8, and for indigenous students including study skills workshops, faculty-based activities, campus tours and a session on ‘what university is really like’ by current students
• Study/homework group support by University students at selected secondary schools through the Compass volunteer program
• Science Alliance programs including ‘Giant Science’ , experience days at the University for years 3 and 4, ‘Kickstart Workshops’ for Higher School Certificate science students.
• University of Sydney student volunteers providing one-on-one reader tutoring weekly in primary schools through the Compass ‘Word Up’ volunteer program

To find out more about how the Compass program can support you, your students and your school please contact your Compass Senior Project Officers.