A foundation for growth and progress
Australian education continues to build on long-standing efforts to enhance equity, wellbeing, and the use of technology within schools. Whilst these challenges aren’t new, schools constantly need to refine and amplify their approaches to better meet the ever evolving needs of students, teachers, and families.
These educational trends reflect not just how far schools have come, but the ongoing work to create inclusive, innovative, and supportive environments for everyone in the education community. While much has been achieved, there is always room for growth.
At Compass, we’re proud to stand alongside schools on this journey, helping connect and support communities where every student has the chance to succeed.
Data and AI for improvement
Building on a strong foundation
While data has long been used in education for assessment and reporting, its role has expanded significantly with the advent of AI and advanced analytical tools. With access to real-time data, predictive analytics and adaptive learning systems, schools are more equipped than ever to identify gaps, provide earlier support for at-risk students, and tailor teaching strategies with greater precision1.
Continuous advancements
Insights from organisations like the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) have long shown that tracking attendance, academic performance, and engagement remains fundamental for schools. However, greater access to real-time data has allowed modern teaching to increasingly focus on and strengthen:
- Proactive intervention: Using predictive analytics and real-time data to identify and support at-risk students earlier2.
- Personalised learning: Leveraging technology to adapt curriculum and teaching methods to individual student needs3.
- Student wellbeing: Integrating mental health and wellbeing metrics into regular assessments to ensure holistic development4.
- Evidence-based teaching: Further refining of teaching strategies through continuous monitoring and insights from classroom data5.
The introduction of AI-powered analytics in school management systems and learning platforms is enhancing these efforts and helping schools identify trends faster and act more effectively. By integrating AI into existing systems, schools are building a foundation for even greater impact in the years to come.
Teacher wellbeing and professional development
Evolving strategies to support teachers
As the roles of a teacher constantly expand and change, educators face growing burnout and workload challenges – and schools need to adapt and modify their approaches to provide modern, meaningful support. By continuing to refine existing methods and explore new initiatives, schools are able to develop new approaches to empower teachers and create more sustainable working environments.
What’s new?
- Streamlined admin: Programs like the upcoming $4.7 million AI pilot in WA schools aim to reduce administrative burdens and give teachers more time for meaningful work in the classroom6.
- Flexible schedules: New Initiatives and workplace agreements with a focus on work flexibility have become more common across all levels of education, allowing teachers to better balance professional and personal commitments7&8.
- Professional and personal growth: Training tailored to individual teacher needs – such that it’s built upon both professional and personal improvement – is helping build confidence and engagement both in and outside the classroom9.
Small changes, like these, create a ripple effect – more supported teachers lead to better outcomes for students. Although progress is being made, continued investment in teacher wellbeing is critical to retaining talent and ensuring thriving classrooms.
A new way of looking at student wellbeing and mental health
Deepening the commitment to wellbeing
Student wellbeing has been a long-standing priority, but schools are continually finding new ways to embed evidence-based learning programs such as mindfulness practices, peer mentoring, and whole-school wellbeing frameworks into the classroom. The focus is on refining how schools can further understand and develop student emotional wellbeing, this includes further adapting wellbeing frameworks for hybrid learning, and adopting apps and online platforms to address academic, emotional, and social needs. These strategies reflect a commitment to meeting students where they are.
What’s driving change in student wellbeing
Australian schools are at the forefront of reimagining student wellbeing, embracing innovative approaches that place emotional resilience, academic success, and engagement at the heart of education. Over the past year, they have demonstrated a commitment to forward-thinking initiatives such as:
- Self-regulated learning programs: Introducing cutting-edge strategies to help students manage emotions and challenges, driving improvements in behaviour and academic outcomes10.
- Social and emotional literacy: Embedding SEL into curricula to create respectful, supportive, and future-ready learning environments11.
- ‘Wellbeing tree’ framework: Adopting a progressive, whole-school approach to systematically address mental health and wellbeing12.
Wellbeing is no longer a complementary aspect of education – it is central to how schools prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. By leading with these innovative approaches, Australian schools are creating inclusive environments that empower students to thrive and succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
AI and technology in learning
Expanding possibilities with technology
With more advanced technology becoming available, schools are finding new ways to enhance learning and strengthen connections. AI is undoubtedly making its mark in classrooms, helping teachers personalise lessons and connect with all students in ways that have never been possible before13. New and exciting tools like augmented reality and advanced data analytics are further enriching learning experiences, while comprehensive School Management platforms like Compass continue to adopt the latest in educational concepts to bring families into the journey, creating a supportive environment for every student’s success.
What’s changing?
Emerging technologies, particularly AI and adaptive learning platforms, are reshaping how schools meet individual needs and strengthen their communities. Here’s how these innovations are transforming education:
- Personalised learning with AI: AI tools enable classrooms to provide individualised support, helping students learn at their own pace while empowering teachers to focus on meaningful engagement and guidance14.
- Seamless communication: Platforms like Compass continue to explore new ways of offering real-time updates on attendance, assignments, and progress, keeping families informed and involved15.
- Inclusivity: Multilingual interfaces ensure families from diverse backgrounds can fully participate in their child’s learning journey13.
- Advancing secure technology: Schools are embracing stronger cybersecurity and new AI policies to protect data while adopting innovative tools with confidence16.
Together, these advancements are helping schools create more inclusive and supportive environments. AI, in particular, is proving to be an indispensable classroom assistant, enhancing learning experiences while preserving the essential human connection between teachers and students17.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on progress, preparing for the future
The progress of education reflects years of effort by educators, policymakers, and whole communities. As the way students learn continues to take important steps forward, the focus will be on sustaining these gains and exploring new ways to reach every student, every teacher, and every family.
From scaling equity initiatives to leveraging the full potential of AI and other emerging technologies, the next chapter of education in Australia is one of opportunity and excitement.
At Compass, we’re here to help your school stay ahead of the trends and prepare for what’s next. Contact us today to learn how we can support your community and help you navigate the future of education.
Resources
- Insights into implementation by AERO
- UNSW uses AI to identify failing students by ACS
- Enhancing Differentiation in the Classroom using Generative Artificial Intelligence by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
- Free mental health tool for schools rolls out nationally by Education Matters
- Monitoring implementation outcomes by AERO
- AI pilot to help tackle WA teacher workloads by Ministers’ Media Centre
- Flexible Work for Classroom Teachers funding by The Department of Education Vic
- ‘Genuine sense of respect’: NSW teachers give thumbs up to new pay deal by EducationHQ
- Battling teacher burnout: Insights, strategies, and support by Compass
- Supporting self-regulated learning by AERO
- Social-emotional learning by The Department of Education NSW
- The ‘Wellbeing Tree’ – supporting a whole-school approach to wellbeing by Teacher Magazine
- Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools by The Department of Education AUS
- EduTECH 2024: The future of AI in education by Compass
- How mobile apps unite school communities by Compass
- Cyber security in schools: Insights from EduTECH 2024 by Compass
- Everyday AI: Artificial intelligence in education by CSIRO
