Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) - DOBCEL - Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited

The Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) initiative aligns with the strategic vision outlined in the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 through the theory of change, our Practical Principles. By fostering deeper collaboration, promoting networked local innovation, and encouraging collective autonomy and agency, we aspire to create a high performing system of Catholic schools through pursuing “Fullness of Life for All”. This application outlines our commitment to these principles and our plan to contribute to this transformative journey that celebrates our Catholic identity.

Founded in evidence and research, CIRPs will investigate an educational challenge informed by school data that is contextually relevant. The proposed initiative will be considered through an Action Research cycle Schools and schools are encouraged to use a prototyping approach to the design and implementation of this project. This approach is intended to help research teams to gather contextual feedback, refine their research, learning and iterating as they undertake the CIRP.

Findings will be shared back to the DOBCEL community. A Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) staff member will partner with schools to assist with the CIRP initiative.

Funding support requests up to $30,000 will be considered. Principals are to submit CIRP applications via the simanager@dobcel.catholic.edu.au email to indicate their endorsement by Monday in Week 5 of Terms 3 and 4.  Applications will be collated and forwarded to the CIRP panel for discernment and outcome.

Please watch the video explainer below for more information about the Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) initiative.

For further assistance with this application process, please contact Julia Petrov, Strategy Implementation Manager at simanager@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

CIRP Application Form

Section 1: Prototype
Prototype Title (up to 7 words)	Consider a name for your prototype, noting that this is how it will be referred to moving forward. Your title should capture the main essence of your prototype.
Strategic Pillar Alignment	Collaborative Cultures Engagement & Belonging School as Community Rich Pedagogical Practice for Deeper Learning & Wellbeing Sustainable Stewardship
How does the prototype progress the Strategic Pillar 2035 Intention? (150 words)	Consider the 2035 Intention for the relevant pillar/s and describe the way you think your prototype will move us closer to this. For further information, refer to the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Document.

Section 1: Prototype

Prototype Title
(up to 7 words)

Consider a name for your prototype, noting that this is how it will be referred to moving forward. Your title should capture the main essence of your prototype.

Strategic Pillar Alignment

Collaborative Cultures
Engagement & Belonging
School as Community
Rich Pedagogical Practice for Deeper Learning & Wellbeing
Sustainable Stewardship

How does the prototype progress the Strategic Pillar 2035 Intention?
(150 words)

Consider the 2035 Intention for the relevant pillar/s and describe the way you think your prototype will move us closer to this.

For further information, refer to the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Document.

Section 2: Applicant Details
Lead School
Lead Contact Name
Role/Position
Phone Number
Collaborating School/s & Contact Name/s
Catholic Education Ballarat Contact Name (if relevant)
Additional Organisation & Contact Name (if relevant)

Section 3: Prototype Rationale
Context	In dot points, briefly outline your educational setting e.g. environment, resources, cultural background and community. Set the scene so we have a general idea of the type of schools involved.
Identified Issue (why)	State the educational challenge or problem of practice identified from the review of data. Describe the issue you are seeking to address.
Current Situation	Note current data identifying the educational challenge or problem of practice. Aim to have at least three separate pieces of data and three points of view to enable triangulation. It’s good to have a mix of qualitative and quantitative data. This data will be useful as baseline data so that new data can be compared to see how it changes over time. Possible sources: Wellbeing data Surveys – student, staff, community Standardised tests – NAPLAN, PAT Observations – classroom, campus Teacher judgement Reports Annual Action Plan The graphic detailed in Bernhardt’s Multiple Measures of Data* may be a useful place to start.*
Research Question	For example: “What is the impact…?” “To what extent …?” “How does ... improve …?” This inquiry question should be: Focused and manageable Compatible with your work Beneficial to your students, staff and/or community
Implementation Activities (How)	How will it be done? In dot points, outline the key activities/actions that will take place. These may change in response to your inquiry and learning.
Theory of Change	Note how the Practical Principles* will be utilised:* Deeper Collaboration Networked Local Innovation Collective Autonomy & Agency
Research Basis	List two or three research sources relating to your identified educational problem. Briefly note how they inform your prototype. Possible sources: Australian Education Research Organisation – AERO Evidence for Learning (Aust) Education Endowment Foundation (UK) What Works Clearinghouse (US) This is a starting point – you may well do more research as your prototype progresses.
Measuring Impact	What data will you collect (list multiple sources) to address your research question? Some of this data will be same as that used as baseline data so that it can be compared to see how it changes overtime. Also note any new data you plan to collect. Possible sources: Wellbeing data Surveys – student, staff, community Standardised tests – NAPLAN, PAT Observations – classroom, campus Teacher judgement Reports Annual Action Plan
Understanding Impact	In dot points, outline the process for data analysis (who & when). It’s useful to identify this before you start. Aim to gather the data noted above at the mid-point and at the end. You may want to collect more regular data such as observations and journals.
Expected Outcomes	Using no more than four* dot points, outline the anticipated results for implementation activities.* Consider what you are hoping to see. What changes, like behaviour and/or growth are you looking for?

Section 4: Collaboration and Partnerships
Prototype Team	List the key school staff who will be involved in this prototype.
Role of Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) Representative	If relevant – briefly note how a CEB staff member will be involved in your prototype.
Collaborating Organisations / Experts	If relevant, note how other parties will be engaged in your prototype.

Section 5: Budget – Resources and Funding Request
Staff Release	List requirements and associated costs.
Facilitation / Presenters / Experts	List requirements and associated costs.
Equipment	List requirements and associated costs.
Venue / Catering	List requirements and associated costs.
Travel	List requirements and associated costs.
Other	List requirements and associated costs.
CIRP Total Budget Requested (up to $30,000 per year)	List total amount requested.

Section 6: Communication of Learnings
Audiences & Mediums	List the strategies to share prototype findings across the school community and beyond.

Section 7: Timeline
Action Timeline	Using dot points, outline actions in a timeline.
Proposed Start Date & End Date (approx. 12 months)

Section 8: Submission Checklist
Submission Instructions	Proposals for 2025 are to be submitted via email from a principal to indicate principal endorsement. Please email the Strategy Implementation Manager at simanager@dobcel.catholic.edu.au by Monday Week 5 of Terms 3 and 4.