EPISODE · Jun 11, 2025 · 41 MIN
S2 E7: On developing a systems approach to school excellence
from Teach NSW Podcast · host Teach NSW
In this episode, we chat with Ben, Chief Education Officer, System Improvement, to unpack what works best for student learning across NSW public schools through a system-level lens. Drawing on almost 20 years of experience within the NSW public education system, Ben is a self-confessed nerd who was always really interested in ‘how schools work’. We explore how he was able to harness a passion for research and policy development to focus on evidence-based teaching practices that cater to diverse learners.On that note, Ben helps us take a deep-dive into the findings of the ‘What works best’ report, developed by the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE), as well as how our School Excellence Framework provides direction for all NSW public schools on leading the way towards school excellence.Most importantly, we talk about putting theory into practice. Ben discusses the value of formative assessment, providing meaningful feedback, co-marking and, in the context of his work on the High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, how we can extend learning to support students to reach their potential. We hope you enjoy this episode.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact [email protected] to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful linksTeach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) - access research, evaluations, case studies, professional learning and practical evidence-based resources for educators. High potential and gifted education (HPGE) - find out more about the HPGE policy and how it promotes engagement and challenge for every student in every school.What works best - find out more about evidence-based practice resources to improve student educational outcomes.School Excellence Framework - access the framework underpinning the school planning and reporting approach, providing schools with steps to pursue equity and excellence.JobFeed - access a weekly update of permanent and temporary teaching and non school-based teaching service positions in NSW public schools.NSW Public School Finder - learn more about public schools near you via the public school finder and access each school’s mission and annual report.
What this episode covers
In this episode, we chat with Ben, Chief Education Officer, System Improvement, to unpack what works best for student learning across NSW public schools through a system-level lens. Drawing on almost 20 years of experience within the NSW public education system, Ben is a self-confessed nerd who was always really interested in ‘how schools work’. We explore how he was able to harness a passion for research and policy development to focus on evidence-based teaching practices that cater to diverse learners.On that note, Ben helps us take a deep-dive into the findings of the ‘What works best’ report, developed by the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE), as well as how our School Excellence Framework provides direction for all NSW public schools on leading the way towards school excellence.Most importantly, we talk about putting theory into practice. Ben discusses the value of formative assessment, providing meaningful feedback, co-marking and, in the context of his work on the High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, how we can extend learning to support students to reach their potential. We hope you enjoy this episode.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact [email protected] to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful linksTeach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) - access research, evaluations, case studies, professional learning and practical evidence-based resources for educators. High potential and gifted education (HPGE) - find out more about the HPGE policy and how it promotes engagement and challenge for every student in every school.What works best - find out more about evidence-based practice resources to improve student educational outcomes.School Excellence Framework - access the framework underpinning the school planning and reporting approach, providing schools with steps to pursue equity and excellence.JobFeed - access a weekly update of permanent and temporary teaching and non school-based teaching service positions in NSW public schools.NSW Public School Finder - learn more about public schools near you via the public school finder and access each school’s mission and annual report.
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S2 E7: On developing a systems approach to school excellence
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