Stronger, Bolder, Better Education

“Change is happening further and faster than we could imagine and, when change grows exponentially, so too must the ability of our education systems to respond to it,” according to Andreas Schleicher, Director, and Special Advisor on Education Policy for the OECD.

Responding to rapid change in education requires the right questions being asked when shaping teaching and learning reform to best prepare students for their futures. ‘What are the fundamental purposes of education today? What are the kinds of skills that will matter most? What kinds of learning environments will 21st-century students flourish in?’ (Schleicher, 2022)

At St Catherine’s these questions are carefully considered and aligned to our Strategic Intent that learning must move beyond a cognitive process of knowledge acquisition and retention towards learning that engages the whole person (cognitively, socio-emotionally, ethically, and aesthetically). This is at the centre of our academic programs and innovations.

In 2021, St Catherine’s School introduced our Senior Years Learning Model (SYLM) for Years 10 and 11. This blended learning model breaks down the traditional walls of teaching and tailors the learning experience for each student. Most importantly, the SYLM provides student agency by offering students choice, self-direction, independence, and ownership of their learning.

Now in its third year, the SYLM has “created a learning environment that allows 21st-century students to flourish.” This year, we sought feedback from our current Year 12 Cohort who are the first group to move through this blended learning model in Years 10 and 11, along with Year 11 students who have stepped into their second year of the SYLM.

It was pleasing to note students found the SYLM has significantly improved their learning capacities and study skills, providing the following feedback:

“I can now work independently and feel a sense of agency when choosing tasks to complete.”