Haileybury Principal | CEO Mr Derek Scott has been appointed as Chair of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). He is the first principal to step into the role.
ACARA is one of Australia’s key education bodies and influences the experience of every student in the country as it develops and refines the National Curriculum, delivers national assessment programs, including NAPLAN, and reports on schooling in Australia.
Derek’s years of experience in education and his commitment to quality teaching to support students have seen him advise several senior government bodies deciding the future direction of Australia’s education system.
Derek’s appointment as Chair was unanimously endorsed by all state and territory education ministers at the November Education Ministers Meeting.
Derek has served on the ACARA Board since January 2021 and was a member of the Expert Panel of the Australian Government’s Quality Initial Teacher Education Review earlier this year.
His involvement in these organisations has given him greater insights into the future of education in Australia—insights he is able to share with the Haileybury community to continue the School’s success and innovation in education.
“I’ve been a teacher and a principal for over 20 years and, in that time, every decision has been focused on improving student education outcomes. Haileybury is a great school and I am very proud of our students, staff and our reputation,” says Derek.
“I’m bringing the frontline skills I have learned through being part of Haileybury to ACARA. Similarly, I will be able to share the education learnings in my role with ACARA with our School.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to help shape and deliver even better learning experiences for all students in Australia and, of course, that very much includes Haileybury students.
“I think the focus should always be on what can be improved to support teachers to enhance student outcomes and also on ensuring that all students in every state and territory can make the most of the best possible education opportunities.”
Derek will, of course, continue at the helm of Haileybury as he chairs ACARA for the next three years.
“It is going to be an exciting time for Haileybury,” says Derek.
“There are so many great learnings from our COVID-19 experiences that we can use to continue to develop the education experience for Haileybury students.”
