Strategic Plan

John Wycliffe Christian School Strategic Plan 2004-2008

This Strategic Plan was published in early 2004. Developed by the Board in consultation with senior staff over an extended period, the 2004-2008 Strategic Plan provided a blueprint for Principal and Senior Staff in the transition to new leadership in 2005 following the 27-year foundation principalship of Mr Bob Johnston. One of the first outworkings of the plan was the adoption of a shortened school name "Wycliffe Christian School" during 2004. There have also been major achievements such as the development of the multi-purpose Hall, improvements in ICT infrastructure and a consistent approach to raising academic standards whilst retaining the school's strong emphasis on pastoral care. Focus on the key elements of this Strategic Plan was part of a sharpening of focus in assisting the school meet the changing social, economic, philosophical and educational demands of the 21st century.

Strategic Planning 2010 and beyond

The extended planning process for the next Strategic Plan has included opportunties for consultative discussions. Initial discussions with the JWCEA Association members have concluded. These discussions involved reflection on the priorities and values that should underpin the next Strategic Plan. The Board has now moved to a new stage in the planning process that include consultations with staff.

This process has also coincided with a significant shift in approach. Wycliffe is now seeking to embrace a Futures Focused Approach. This combines a traditional focus on long term strategic planning driven by organizational values, regular exploration of alternate future scenarios that may impact on the school and more intentional short-term planning that focusses on Annual Goals and flexible responses to changing and emerging agendas.

Futures Focused School Planning

Wycliffe Christian School has embraced a Futures Focused Schools approach to planning, within the framework of its Christian worldview approach.

During 2009, Principal, Geoff Bowser, and Head of Senior College, Bill Little, attended one of the series of national Futures-Focused Schools Workshops. These workshops were sponsored by Teaching Australia and Educational Transformations and exposed participants to the views and practices of academics and school practitioners who had embraced a futures focus. Principal, Geoff Bowser, also participated in a Master Class with Professor Brent Davies, on "Leading the Strategically Focused School".

At the Wycliffe mid-year conference for Teaching Staff, Geoff Bowser and Bill Little led the staff in a Futures Focused Schools Workshop. Subsequent staff meetings have applied the theories from this approach to reflecting on potential 5 year and annual goals for the school. The Senior Management Team has also been working with the School Board in identifying, from a governance perspective, School Goals for 2010, incorporating ideas that have already been affirmed by staff. Following a final meeting of staff to make additional recommendations, the School Board will sign off on the 2010 School Goals at its December 2009 meeting.

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