Liverpool Boys High School wins award for innovative school program

Liverpool Boys High School has become one of the most talked about schools after winning yet another award recognising its innovative programs.

Principal Mike Saxon with students Sebastian Zappulla, Omar Fattal and Saifullah Naadeem at Liverpool Boys High School. Picture: Carmela Roche

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Liverpool Boys High School has won its second award in as many weeks, with the latest accolade recognising outstanding achievement in public education.

The school this week won the Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Initiative at the 2019 NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence, hosted by the Public Education Foundation.

More than 110 individuals and schools were honoured for their contributions and innovative programs.

The school has won two awards in as many weeks. Picture: Carmela Roche

Liverpool Boys High won the outstanding school initiative category for its project-based learning model, which allows students in Years 7-10 to solve real-world problems and access real-world opportunities.

It comes on the back of another achievement, with the school recently named Secondary School of the Year — Government at the 2019 Australian Education Awards.

Principal Michael Saxon said it was a “great honour” for the school, which has 550 students, to be recognised for its innovative programs.

“It was just a great affirmation again for the staff … that yes, we are doing really amazing things,” he said.

“From a different body, that’s double affirmation that you’re really doing well.”

Student Jihad Arja with a housing project. The school introduced project-based learning in 2014. Picture: Joel Carrett

Staff and students enjoyed a barbecue lunch and played sports on Wednesday to celebrate the win.

Mr Saxon said it had generated more conversations between students and teachers about the innovative programs the school offered.

“They sometimes don’t believe that we’re that good a school because it’s hard to know when you’re in it.”

Mr Saxon said students were now more engaged with their education journey since the school introduced project-based learning in 2014.

“Kids are now in classes doing learning that they enjoy, that is purposeful. They’re following their passions and their interests, and they’re getting to solve problems that interest them.”

“That builds a much greater connection to learning.”

Next year, the school will be removing traditional year groups for new Year 7 students.