Professional Learning Communities at Kilbreda College

Every fortnight, teaching and Learning Diversity staff are working in professional learning communities to focus on refining teaching practices in their Domain areas. Through participating in an Action Research Cycle, staff are continually refining and reflecting on their practice to enhance student outcomes. A recent report by the OECD, Unlocking High Quality Teaching, highlights the importance of reflecting and refining practice.

The OECD’s 2025 report, Unlocking High-Quality Teaching, offers fresh insights into the evolving landscape of education, emphasising the importance of refining evidence-based teaching practices. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the report highlights the nuanced and dynamic nature of teaching – positioning it as a blend of science, art and craft.

At its core, teaching requires a foundation in rigorous research, the creativity to adapt to diverse classroom needs, and the craftsmanship that comes from ongoing collaboration and reflection. The report argues that high-quality teaching cannot be achieved in isolation. Instead, it thrives in environments that support continuous learning, shared professional development, and critical self-assessment.

The Professional Learning Communities at Kilbreda College create an environment where continuous learning is taking place. Staff focus on data to inform need, research new strategies and reflect and refine their practice. The OECD report suggests that meaningful improvement lies not only in adopting new strategies, but in closely examining and refining the practices already in place. This reflective approach, grounded in the realities of classrooms, offers a successful path to progress.

The report focuses on five teaching goals and practices that support high quality teaching. These goals are reflected within our Professional Learning Communities:

• Ensuring cognitive engagement
• Crafting quality subject content
• Providing social and emotional support
• Fostering classroom interaction
• Using formative assessment and feedback

I look forward to the end of semester presentations from each Domain area, which will provide valuable insights into their research, the strategies they have planned and implemented, and the practices they are using to exemplify high-quality teaching.

Clare Kelly

Assistant Principal: Performance and Development