Three major education bodies in NSW have joined forces to provide greater teaching and learning opportunities for more than 700 Independent and Catholic schools across the state.
The new partnership, between The Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW), Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) and Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), will involve collaboration in the areas of learning, professional services and improving the school experience for students
Potential areas for collaboration include discussing different models of learning for the state’s schools, post-school options, professional learning and leadership programs, digital learning solutions and designing better learning environments.
"We’re passionate about collaboration at Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta," CEDP executive director Greg Whitby told The Educator.
"As we constantly impress upon our students, there is much to be gained from working together towards a shared goal."
Whitby said the opportunity to work with cross-sector partners had grown from a "mutual commitment to transforming learning and teaching".
"Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is also already working with the Department of Education, including on meeting the educational needs of the community in Western Sydney," he said.
AISNSW Chief Executive Dr Geoff Newcombe AM said the new partnership recognises that all schools and students benefit when education sectors come together to share knowledge, experience and expertise.
“We recognise the unique services that CEDP and SCS provide and look forward to complementing these services and investing in further research and new partnerships," Dr Newcombe said.
SCS Executive Director Tony Farley said there was significant teaching and administrative expertise across all three school organisations.
“I am looking forward to working together and realising the benefits for all students and staff. This is a great step forward,” Farley said.
All three leaders said they were open to other collaborations that will support students and staff in their schools.