in the classroom
BPSSC Principal Michael West . Picture , supplied .
The strength and success of any school relies on its teachers . I am privileged to work with a great group of educators
‘ Together we are stronger ’
Queensland principal credits ‘ inclusive leadership ’ for top award win
By Erin Nixon
Bellbird Park State Secondary College ’ s ( BPSSC ) foundation principal has won several elite education awards this year and credits his success to the team he has built around him .
Michael West was named government school principal of the year at the 2023 Australian Education Awards ( AEA ) in August .
Mr West told Education Review that opening BPSSC was the “ single biggest achievement of my career ”.
BPSSC opened in 2017 with 212 year seven students and 31 staff . Just six years later , the school has grown to 1,800 students and more than 150 staff under Mr West ’ s leadership .
Bellbird Park is a low socio-economic and highly multicultural suburb in Ipswich , Queensland , with 45 countries of birth speaking 53 different languages .
“ Our students proudly speak of their cultural backgrounds , and we believe the College is inclusive of all cultures ,” Mr West said .
Mr West was appointed BPSSC ’ s foundation principal in 2016 . In the role , he has exemplified an inclusive , hands-on leadership style and has implemented a style of learning and teaching called Collaborative Learning Communities .
Collaborative Learning Communities support teacher development to differentiate students and develop tailored teaching strategies using individual , class and cohort data to ensure student equity and growth .
BPSSC ’ s inaugural year 12 students all received their Queensland Certificate of Education ( QCE ) in 2022 , with 28 per cent receiving an ATAR over 80 ; the average ATAR in Qld is 70 .
A recent recipient of the Schools Plus teaching fellowship , Mr West also implemented the Marker Student concept at BPSSC in 2022 to facilitate meaningful pathways for students beyond year 12 .
Mr West credits his success to the team he has built around him , emphasising that “ together we are stronger ”.
“ While I have a trophy for the office , it is much more than that ,” Mr West said .
“ The strength and success of any school relies on its teachers . I am privileged to work with a great group of educators , and I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and development .”
BPSSC has achieved a lot in its short lifespan , also winning a 2023 Excellence Award for Best First Nations Education Program .
Mr West empowers his staff at all stages of their careers to develop new teaching , mentoring and instructional leadership skills .
Staff at BPSSC told Education Review that Mr West “ leads with a vision and passion that generates and inspires high levels of motivation and excitement that permeates through all levels of the college .”
He is a highly visible leader who seeks guidance and opinions from all staff members before making decisions that impact them .
“ Michael communicates school goals to create a sense of shared purpose and priority and easily secures commitment from all staff for improvement or change ,” a BPSSC staff member told Education Review . ■
24 | educationreview . com . au