empowering girls
RUYTON SCHOLAR PROGRAMME – 2021 In the midst of a global crisis, planning for our young people’s future has never been more important. The impact of COVID-19 on health, economy and community will be far reaching, and a focus on life, work and career capabilities for our girls is crucial. Our strategic focus on Powerful Learning over the past few years at Ruyton has included reviewing how we acknowledge, support and define these capabilities, widening the traditional definition of academic excellence. Our intention is to provide extended opportunities for choice, flexibility and experiential learning underpinned by student voice, agency and impact in a global world. Curricular, co-curricular, wellbeing, volunteering and leadership experiences will all contribute to this programme, underpinned by the Ruyton values and learning pillars. In 2020 we have launched a bespoke future focused programme for senior students. The Scholar Programme is underpinned by flexible experiential learning opportunities to foster the skills and dispositions that will enable young women to thrive and live lives of impact and purpose in an ever changing, interconnected world. Girls are able to choose to major in one of four immersion strands; • Creativity Scholars perceive the world in new ways to generate and communicate imaginative ideas, alternatives, and possibilities through visual and performing arts • Discovery Scholars explore the intersections and applications of historical inquiry, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to problem find, problem solve and create innovative solutions
26
• Enterprise Scholars explore how they can make a difference in the lives of others and transform the world by solving big problems through innovation, communication and entrepreneurship • Global Scholars investigate the world and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equitable and sustainable. The foundation for this programme is laid in the Middle Years (Years 5-8), where girls engage in transdisciplinary and leadership learning programmes across each of these strands. Curricular, co-curricular, community service and environmental action learning experiences are supported by a student profile and microcredentialing to provide the road map for development of self across a broad range of domains. Girls explore their chosen strand of personal interest through deep learning experiences and a broad range of opportunities in the Year 9 and 10 Elective Programme. This leads into a Capstone Experience in Years 11 and 12 where girls have the opportunity to identify a relevant area of research and with the support of an industry mentor, they produce a significant research paper or equivalent, presented to a panel. This Capstone Experience can be built into their VCE studies or sit alongside it. The Scholar Programme has been introduced to Ruyton girls this year with nearly 30% of Year 9 and 10 students electing to be part of the pilot programme in 2021. In addition to this, students in Year 11 and 12 have volunteered to pilot the Capstone Programme. We look forward to the ongoing development of the Scholar Programme and its strong contribution to supporting our girls as independent learners and leaders.
the ruyton reporter
