Best Practices in Balsam Academy

Our vision for Balsam is to be a high-performing school. We understand that there is no silver bullet - no single thing that we can do to ensure high student performance. Every aspect of the teaching and learning process has to be attended to and empowered. Following are the Best Practices that are being adopted in Balsam:

• Clear Vision and mission school-wide
• Effective processes
• Effective leadership
• Quality instruction, grading practices, and monitoring
• Professional learning community
• Cultural competence and culturally responsive teaching
• Family and community engagement in school

The key characteristics to make a difference in schooling are:

Clear Vision and mission school-wide

The focus is on achieving a shared vision and role of stake holders in achieving the vision. The following documents provide clarity in developing values and provide direction to make mission a reality:

• Vision and Mission Statement
• 5 year Strategic Plan - Believe 2023
• School Policies
• Organisational Chart

Effective Processes

Policy based management and administration is the key to achieve the vision that Balsam has. The following documents provide clarity to all stake holders in adopting firm and practical policies that pave the way for seamless and clear management:

• Standard Operating Procedures
• Management Information System
• School Evaluation Process
• Shared Leadership

Effective Leadership

Instructional Leaderships

Academic Coordinator, Annual Syllabi Plan, Lesson Plans, TLMs, Employees Allocation and Timetable, Kindergarten, Language, Science, Social Studies, Beyond Academics Coordinator, Sports, Visual & Performing Arts, ICT, Library, STEM, Work Education and Outbound Learning, SEWA and Community Outreach, Managing Teacher Performance and Professional Development, Compliance- School Regulations, Head of Operations.

Instructional Leaderships

School Leadership and Management, Parent Relationships, Infrastructure and Facility Management, Transport Management, Human Resource Management and Development.

Quality Instruction, grading practices, and monitoring

Curriculum, instruction and assessments are aligned with national standards to ensure student achievement Staff understands the role of classroom and national assessments, what the assessments measure, and how student work is evaluated.

• Teaching-Learning and Assessment
• Learner’s Progress, Attainment and Development
• Learning Lab

Professional Learning Community

Ongoing professional development is established to support and build teaching skills that are aligned with the school vision and objectives. Following are planned:

• Learning Hub
• Collaborate with Professionals/Experts
• Collaborate with Alumni

Cultural competence and culturally responsive teaching

Education without culture is no education at all. Children must know their heritage, culture and their roots. With firm foundation, they can grow high and stand tall. Including following activities ensures meaningful and value based learning:

• Revival of Culture and Heritage

Family and community engagement in school

There is a sense that all have a responsibility to educate students, not just teachers and staff in Balsam Academy. Families, as well as organisations, social service agencies, and local colleges /universities - all play a vital role in this effort.

• Parents on School Committees
• Parent volunteers
• Parent workshops