Philippa Crone

Helensvale State High School

The programs that Philippa Crone has put in place during her tenure at Helensvale State High School (HSHS) have made a positive impact for both staff and students.

Curriculum and learning is an area where Philippa has taken charge and made a difference.

She was responsible for developing units of work and assessment that combined Department of Education expectations with the school’s pedagogical philosophy of Guaranteed Viable Curriculum.

Students are then provided with a consistent approach to lesson delivery, ensuring they are given the maximum opportunity to reach their learning goals. 

As a result of her efforts, Philippa was invited to assist in rewriting curriculum to help engage students, and to bring curricula up to date.

Philippa has successfully shaped the lesson planning and execution field at HSHS.

She was instrumental in bringing in a consistent planning and lesson delivery approach across the school, through the introduction of an external program adapted to suit the needs of the school.

Tasks are now more accessible to students and are presented in a form that is easy to understand.

Philippa has led in the school’s behaviour management program where she is currently trialling a new strategy with the Year 9 cohort.

Philippa also takes a role in mentorship of beginning teachers.

She was a key mentor to numerous graduate teachers who began their careers at Helensvale State High School, sharing with them a wealth of knowledge and access to resources.

Due to her sharing of enthusiasm and wisdom, a number of beginning teachers attribute their drive and passion about teaching to her.

In addition, teachers from outside HSHS often contact Philippa to observe her lessons.

Executive Principal Mark Blackshaw says Philippa is a highly professional and committed teacher.

​“Her greatest strength is her ability to build capacity in other teachers by sharing her expertise and skills,” Mark says.

“Her classrooms are positive, dynamic and supportive.”

Philippa is open to improving and reflecting on her professional development.

She does this by taking the opportunity of engaging in professional development sessions and then sharing her findings with fellow staff members.

Staff meetings also benefit from Philippa’s positive disposition, as she uses innovative methods to increase participation and make them more productive.

Congratulations Philippa on your nomination.