Standards Committee

The Standards Committee consists of one person who is a member of, and appointed by, the Board; and four people appointed by the Board, with the approval of the Minister, who have between them, in the opinion of the Board, qualifications, experience and expertise in the development and measurement of standards of student achievement.

  • Emeritus Professor Jill Downie (Chair)

    Emeritus Professor Downie has significant experience in education as well as executive management in the University sector. She has led strategic projects in curriculum and assessment development and engaged with School Principals to develop innovative strategies to meet School objectives. Her extensive Board experience has given her a strong understanding of the Board’s role in governance, quality assurance, risk and financial accountability.

  • Ms Jocelyn Cook

    Ms Cook has extensive experience in policy development and program implementation of system assessment. She has directed international, national and state-based assessment projects.

  • Ms Melissa Gillett

    Ms Gillett is the Principal of John Forrest Secondary College.  She has extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in the education sector. She is also a Registered Psychologist (past School Psych) with experience in statistical analysis and evaluation; test development and evaluation; assessing students with disabilities; impact of mental health conditions on learning and assessment.

  • Ms Valerie Gould

    Ms Gould has extensive experience in education and until October 2022, worked as the Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA). As Executive Director, she supported WA Independent Schools offering a high standard of education to students in their care and worked with school governing bodies to ensure schools are operated according to government regulations and in a financially sustainable manner. She has represented WA Independent Schools on a number of state and national decision-making committees.

  • Dr Penelope Russell

    Dr Penelope Russell is the Director of Learning and Teaching Excellence at Methodist Ladies’ College. She brings extensive experience in the independent school sector, including leadership within AngliSchools. In her current role, she provides strategic pedagogical leadership and oversees teacher performance development, curriculum review and innovation, and has operational oversight of the PP- Year 12 curriculum.