St Andrew’s Anglican College has once again demonstrated why it is one of the most sought-after schools in Queensland, earning the title of a 5-Star Innovative School for 2024 by The Educator magazine.
This accolade comes just months after the College was awarded Secondary School of the Year 2024 (non-government) at the Australian Education Awards . It places St Andrew’s among only 41 schools nationwide honoured for their innovation.
Key to this recognition is the College’s vision to improve education through a future-focused and innovative approach.
Head of St Andrew’s Institute of Learning, Mr Tim Barrett, said the Peregian Springs based school has been acknowledged for its emphasis on building the personal capacity of every student, supported by research-driven staff and a unique reporting system that captures the whole student.
“Education is about more than just academic success,” Mr Barrett said.
“At St Andrew’s, we value academics but also ensure that we develop the personal capacity of every student to prepare them for the complexities of tomorrow’s world. Many of our staff are driven by an innovative mindset, constantly seeking new ways to translate research into practice, enhance learning experiences, and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they will need in the future.”
This approach is reflected in cutting-edge programs such as entrepreneurship, robotics, app development, and virtual reality, all designed to align with industry demands. Partnerships with organisations like the Peregian Digital Hub also provide students with invaluable real-world mentorship opportunities.
St Andrew’s initiatives for the future
St Andrew’s recently introduced its Future Ambitions program, which offers flexibility and mentoring for students excelling in sports, music, academics, or entrepreneurship.
Central to these initiatives is the College’s innovative P-12 Personal Capacity Framework, which includes a transcript that holistically captures personal and social capabilities, highlighting the skills needed to confidently navigate their futures.
“These student-focused initiatives are made possible by an empowered staff committed to leading meaningful change,” Mr Barrett said.
Through the St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL), the College offers research and professional development opportunities to both internal staff and external schools and organisations. Staff are frequently invited to present at major educational conferences, including the ACEL National Summit, AHISA National Conference, Edutech, Research Invested Schools Summit, and the AIS Innovation Conference.
“St Andrew’s is not only improving education for our students but equipping other schools to provide future-focused education through our research and expertise,” Mr Barrett said.
“Our Cultural Intelligence (CQ) testing and training program is a global first, with the potential to significantly impact education worldwide. In 2025, we will offer CQ testing as an internal and external micro-credential, equipping students with the skills to thrive in culturally diverse environments.”
The College’s updated Masterplan also outlines the development of a dedicated STEAM facility, designed to support world-class programs and prepare students for an ever-changing future.
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