Bringing Catalyst to Tasmania

August 2022

On Thursday 25 August, Patrick Ellis, Education Lead, travelled to Tasmania along with Trazel Scott, Senior Teaching and Learning Officer, Leah Taylor, Principal from St Thomas Aquinas and Michele Bezuidenhout, Catalyst Program Manager, to meet with Catholic Education Tasmania’s Principals and system leaders. 

Patrick Ellis, CECG Education Lead, presenting on Catalyst

The purpose of the visit was to discuss the Catalyst program for professional learning, unpacking the knowledge of Science of Learning and Science of Reading and what it means for the classroom with High Impact Teaching Practice. The professional learning approach is a four-stage process with professional learning grounded in theory, supported by demonstration which is then put into practice and supported by coaching. 

The informative and interactive sessions really embedded the goals of the program and how the Science of Learning based approach can make a real difference, with High Impact Teaching Practice empowering teachers to guide students to successful outcomes. 

Principal Leah Taylor, presented the impact of Catalyst in the primary school context, showing how the implementation of InitiaLit, The Writing Revolution and High Impact Teaching Practice in Mathematics and English has delivered measurable improvements across all subjects. 

The Secondary education perspective offered by Trazel Scott, illustrated the drive to achieve the goals of competent literacy for all students and the visibility of HITP in every classroom. Feedback was presented from students, teachers and leaders, all commending the value of Catalyst and the benefits of a consistent approach. 

Patrick Ellis, CECG Education Lead, Trazel Scott, CECG Senior Teaching & Learning Officer, Anita Cunningham, CET Director Teaching and Learning

One teacher said of the program, “I have been blown away by the increase in student ability. The use of daily reviews and active participation have led to significant increases in the content retention of my students.” 

Following the presentation, there was plenty of opportunity for questions and discussions within small groups, which offered further insight into the practical application of the program. 

Patrick Ellis said of the event, “It was great to present the CECG Catalyst approach to Catholic Education Tasmania’s Principals and system Leaders this week with the ability to share knowledge and learn together. We look forward to a shared Science of Learning journey ahead.” 

Catholic Education Tasmania staff attend the Insight into Learning meeting