Tell Them They're Dreaming!

So… What do you see when you gaze into the crystal ball of 2030 education? Will things look dramatically different or will we be plodding along pushing students through an academic, ATAR funnel, hoping they achieve their dream job through being accepted into their dream university after choosing their dream subjects in their dream school!
My thoughts? “Tell them they’re dreaming!”
After much research and many interactions with educational gurus in this field, I believe things are heading in a much healthier, more exciting and diverse direction. 
 
“The world is moving at a tremendous rate: going no one knows where. We must prepare our children, not for the world of the past, not for our world, but for their world – the world of the future.” (John Dewey, early 1940’s)
 
A report done recently reviewing senior secondary pathways initiated by the Australian government has revealed a need for change. It concluded that academic achievement is important but not the sole reason for schooling. They realised that we need to focus more on preparing the whole person no matter what career path they choose. The importance of general characteristics such as their ability to communicate, think critically and creatively and to be able to show grit and tenacity are just as important as their ATAR rank. The ATAR needs to be seen as just one important measure of success. We need to educate for and assess the diverse learnings that make the whole person.
 
All of these points challenge us as a school but also excites us as we realise the times in which we live. We can’t just do what we’ve always done and expect to succeed. It’s exciting to see that finally employers, Higher Education bodies (Universities, Colleges and TAFEs) and schools are collaborating for the best outcome for all involved. 

As a school, we are fully committed to getting on board with a new way of doing senior schooling and will embrace opportunities to expand our repertoire of subjects, offerings, VET courses, school based apprenticeships and pathways. 

Gone are the days where there is one way to get through secondary schooling with a single number defining your success. The NEW way is diverse, intricate, passion driven and exciting. Nothing is impossible!

This is OUR school, OUR children! Let’s be open to possibilities! 

Maybe we are dreaming… but that’s ok.

Mrs Julie Carter
Director of Learning