Strong foundation for success at Redcliffe State High School

For new Redcliffe State High School Principal Barry Wallett, continuing to build on the school’s strong foundations while prioritising learning and student development will be his focus in the months and years ahead.

Mr Wallett arrived at Redcliffe State High School at the beginning of term 2, starting an exciting new chapter in his 35-year career in education which has taken him to places including Gympie, Miles, Thursday Island, Chinchilla, the Sunshine Coast and Charleville.

He was most recently Principal of Deception Bay State High School before applying for the role at Redcliffe, vacated by Shona McKinlay after 21 years.

“It’s been amazing. I found what I expected to find and that’s a lot of really good people doing really good things. The kids have been sensational. I’m just enjoying it. There’s lots to learn, lots of different ways of doing things,” Mr Wallett says.

Taking on the role and moving to the Peninsula has been a homecoming for Mr Wallett, who was born at Redcliffe Hospital and went to Scarborough State School until Year 6 when his family moved.

“It’s a beautiful spot and I walk around the bay every afternoon with (my wife) Toni and the dog, and feel very fortunate indeed,” he explains.

“It is very much for me, feeling like I’m coming home. I actually walk past the house I grew up in, it’s still there.”

The move has also given him the opportunity to become part of the Redcliffe State High School community, setting goals to take the school to the next level.

“The vision is very much focused on building on the great foundations that are already evident here and making sure we absolutely prioritise curriculum teaching and learning,” Mr Wallett says.

“We’ve already undertaken the first steps of that … just adjusting our approach to the delivery of our teaching and learning.

“We’ll be focusing on really having a consistent approach across the school, among all faculties and staff. We all have a clear understanding of our shared pedagogy – what is it that we’re doing here?

“We’re going to do it the same way, consistently to help our kids to take the next step in their learning.”

He says professional development with his team is already happening, with phase one in action.

“We are investing in each individual faculty, with one day of professional learning focussing on creating assessment literate students and one day collaborative planning time. Creating quality assessment tasks, getting back to the Australian Curriculum and understanding where the learning is coming from and the intent of the Australian Curriculum,” he explains.

Helping students develop

Mr Wallett, who is passionate about quality state school education, says Redcliffe caters to a broad range of student strengths and passions.

“Hand on heart I can say Redcliffe State High School offers a lot. We have programs of excellence available for Creative Industries (drama and music); girls sport and fitness; rugby league; and dangerous minds which is a program for academic students in junior secondary for English and humanities.

“We run extension classes in maths and science, we have a champion debating team, and we have strong outcomes academically across the board.”

As the school continues to evolve, Mr Wallett is working with his team and the community to expand the range of programs to give students more opportunities.

“We’re really moving forward with a great deal of purpose… another part of my vision is to lift up our footprint around vocational education and training,” he says.

“We’re looking to have really clear pathways for our students - our academic students, our students who need to go into further learning through TAFE or other opportunities, or students who may want to go direct to work … we cater for all of them.

“As a Principal, I’m all about choice. I want my kids to graduate with purpose and dignity, and I want them to have choice when they graduate.

“Ultimately, I want them to be capable and literate students and to be successful citizens and contribute to society.”