From 2003 the Victorian government has funded clusters of schools to develop programs of innovation that will contribute to sustainable, systemic change in the middle years of schooling.

The aim is to provide schools with the opportunity to develop innovative and creative ways to engage middle years students. Each cluster is provided with an Educator to plan, coordinate and research the project.

Araluen teachers have been part of the Innovations and Excellence Program from the outset.
The aim of the program is aim is to develop teacher's skills, knowledge, resources and styles to cater for a diverse range of students to ensure that students are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Developing teacher's pedagogical practices has increased student engagement and student learning outcomes through catering for the individual needs of students and teachers.

Go to Sale Cluster Innovations and Excellence Website

Other benefits from involvement include:

• Sharing of resources between all primary and secondary schools
• Improved transition between primary and secondary school with a focus on a curriculum continuum between years 5-9.
• Increased communication between all schools to develop teacher support particularly for rural schools and to ensure all students are presented with similar opportunities regardless of the primary school they attend.
• Expert teachers utilised within the cluster to improve pedagogical practices across the whole cluster.
• Structures implemented to ensure reflective processes are maintained. ( Eg POLT Surveys, CSF, Aim, Opinion Surveys)
• Specialised programs operating throughout the cluster.
• Shared understanding of the development and learning of adolescents.