Earlier this year, a major bridge collapsed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, however, news reports at the time suggested a lack of maintenance on the foundations of the bridge caused it to be in a poor state, despite only being 50 years old.

By contrast, the Millau Viaduct suspension bridge, constructed in 2004 in France, is a wonder of modern engineering. Standing at 343 meters tall it is most famous for being the tallest bridge in the world. The complex bridge has extremely robust foundations which ensure this elegant structure will stand for many years to come.

The importance of building solid foundations is also of great importance in learning. In Barbreck, a great deal of time and planning has gone into the provision of essential education foundations. In doing so, a firm base for learning, conducive to our students becoming strong and capable learners, is achieved.

Literacy and numeracy are the two giant building blocks in our Academic Program. These educational pillars receive 50 percent of classroom time allocation. Numeracy curriculum involves problem-solving, identifying patterns, thinking logically, and making predictions. Numeracy also requires students to be precise, accurate, and coherent. The skills and knowledge in numeracy are important, not just in Mathematics, but across other academic demands in school and beyond.

Our literacy program is equally important for our girls. Literacy skills in reading comprehension, writing with fluidity and clarity, communication through the written word, and verbally are all essential if students are to enjoy a successful academic life at School.

The Barbreck Academic Program is one that emphasises a rigorous curriculum, is intellectually demanding, and requires students to constantly strive in their learning. We aim for our students to achieve at the highest level possible.

A case in point is our 2021 NAPLAN results. Our NAPLAN averages exceed State and National averages by a significant margin. For example, our average Year 5 NAPLAN score is above the State Year 7 average. Also, our Year 3 average NAPLAN score is equal to the Year 5 National average, and only marginally below the State Year 5 average. Likewise, our Year 7 average NAPLAN score is above the Year 9 State average.

Our excellent NAPLAN achievements are the result of well-planned and implemented learning programs, delivered by skilful teachers.

It is no coincidence our 2021 VCE results rank us as the number one girls school in Victoria. A strong Year 12 result can only occur because of the strong foundations laid in earlier years. The learning which occurs in Barbreck, year in and year out, lays a strong foundation for the senior years of school.

Strong bridges need strong foundations. Our Academic Program in Barbreck is much like a bridge. Literacy and numeracy are the two big foundation stones and, like a suspension bridge, all other subject learning is supported by them.

Just as bridges require continuous monitoring, so do schools and their learning programs. Barbreck teachers constantly monitor the performance of our students so their changing needs can be addressed, and the greatest progress can be made.

The Millau Viaduct is a fine example of where careful planning, successful design, skilful implementation, and delivery, have produced an outstanding and beautiful structure. Our Academic Program in Barbreck has many similarities.

Strong foundations = strong bridges. In schools, strong learning foundations = strong and capable students.