Katherine School of the Air shares the challenges of remote learning after recognition in NT’s Top Public High Schools list

A top-ranking NT remote public school is delivering education differently – with incredible results. Learn how the modern School of the Air takes on the tyranny of distance.

Lucy with her Year 6 KSA teacher on a recent Patrol (home visit) to her station. Picture: Supplied

From two-way radios and charter flights to instant communications and digital learning, Katherine School of the Air (KSA) has come a long way to become one of the Territory’s top-ranked public high schools.

To create our list of Australia’s Top 100 Public High Schools, every high school in the nation was assessed for its academic performance, student attendance level, student-teacher ratio, average fees and level of socio-educational advantage.

KSA placing second in the Territory and year 6 student Lucy Brett was concise in her description of the alternative school.

“I don’t think of Katherine School of the Air as a place, I think of it as the people,” says year 6 student Lucy. Picture: Alex Treacy

“I don’t think of KSA as a place, I think of it as the people,” the astute young student said.

The school educates 298 students from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the WA border.

The students live in the Outback, often residing on cattle stations thousands of kilometres from the nearest school.

Every student tunes in from their home-based classroom to learn together, using modern technology to stay connected.

The tyranny of distance is overcome with an “in-school” experience every 10 weeks.

“We come together as one, to learn and do activities,” Lucy said.

Bailee Beament from Opium Creek Station said: “My favourite part is joining in with everyone and seeing them face-to-face.”

Principal Jess Screaigh said the school puts an emphasis on building connections between the geographically dispersed students.

“The teachers work really hard on building connections,” Ms Screaigh said.

“They all have two hours together every day and there’s always a focus on pastoral care.”

Students come together from all over the Territory to learn online at KSA. Picture: Supplied

Each day students learn in a group setting with around 15-17 students online.

They then go through their work with a home tutor, who could be a family member or someone hired to help the students with their work.

“We plan the work and do some explicit teaching,” Ms Screaigh explained.

“Then tutors do the home element and help the students stay on track.

“The home tutor is the absolute rock. They are our eyes and ears.”

A KSA science lesson with Miss Mon. Picture: Supplied

Old-school KSA radios used to teach in the past have now been replaced by high-speed Starlink internet access. Picture: Patrina Malone

Technology like computers and Starlink have absolutely reformed the way schools of the air operate.

“We’ve come really far,” Ms Screaigh said.

“Historically students would have mail sent out at the start of the term, then kids would dial in through radios for assistance.

“The work would be sent back and it could be a 10-week turnaround, whereas now they do it throughout the week, upload it on a Friday and have it marked for the next week.

“Students’ learning outcomes progressed dramatically through tools like Teams.

“Five years ago we would have only three cameras, nowadays we can have the whole school community on for an assembly. It’s a remarkable improvement.”

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Originally published as Katherine School of the Air shares the challenges of remote learning after recognition in NT’s Top Public High Schools list