Leading with Excellence
Westlake Girls is proud to be part of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024, an OECD-led initiative that gathers insights from educators worldwide to enhance teaching and learning environments. New Zealand has taken a leading role by expanding its participation to include teachers and principals across various education levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of professional development, teaching practices, and leadership in our schools. TALIS provides valuable data that informs national and international policies, helping shape strategies to support educators and improve student outcomes.
On Thursday, 27 February, Westlake Girls welcomed education delegates from the TALIS initiative, representing countries such as Australia, France, Serbia, Singapore, and Japan, including officials from their Ministries of Education and the OECD. These experts, specialising in areas such as school data, curriculum development, assessment, and teacher training, are dedicated to driving educational leadership and transformation.
During their visit, they had the opportunity to observe lessons, engage with students and teachers, and gain first-hand insight into the dynamic learning environment at Westlake Girls. They were highly impressed by the exceptional quality of education offered at Westlake Girls as a free, public school and particularly commended the strong leadership opportunities available to students. The visitors noted how these initiatives empower students to take ownership of their learning and contribute meaningfully to the school community.
One visitor from the Ministry of Education in Singapore remarked, “It is evident that this is a highly functional school,” and posed a thought-provoking question: “How do you set targets to continue improving when you are already working at an excellent level?” Our principal, Jane Stanley, highlighted the ongoing work with our growth profile and pedagogy framework, which drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
The delegation was also particularly curious about our AI strategy, recognising Westlake Girls’ proactive approach. They praised our commitment to preparing students and teachers for the future, acknowledging the school’s efforts in building AI literacy and embedding responsible AI use within education. The visit reinforced Westlake Girls’ reputation as a leader in education, demonstrating our commitment to excellence, innovation, and future-focused learning on the global stage.
