Learning Engagement Framework

“We aspire for our students to be savvy young women; to be articulate; to be problem solvers who think outside the square, who pursue excellence in their life aspirations and are comfortable with change.”

A new chapter in our learning

In August this year, the College launched its new Learning Engagement Framework, which outlines an aspirational vision for St Mary’s College with students at its centre.

The purpose of this framework was to focus on engaging every student in their learning and to identify the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to ensure they are successful citizens in what is increasingly becoming a challenging and unpredictable future. We identified attributes such as resilience, curiosity, imagination, critical thinking and the respect and care of others and the environment as central in enabling our students to navigate their futures – academically, socially, emotionally and ethically. Our research was grounded in the work of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Future of Education and Skills 2030 Position Paper: The Future We Want. The OECD paper challenged our approach to curriculum and how we provide equitable access and enrichment; it had us reconsider our pedagogy and the way we include students in decisions around how we transfer and measure knowledge and skills in the learning space. It questioned the way we create effective learning spaces so that the focus is on the student and how they respond to their environment. It also highlighted the importance of including not only our families, but also our local community in providing opportunities not before considered. Most significantly, we were reminded of how we rely on staff and student wellbeing, and our Presentation values, to support our way forward. Under the banner of our Vision and Mission, the supporting OECD Education 2030 documents on Wellbeing, Attitude and Values, and Student Agency provided a rich and dynamic platform upon which to develop our three Elements of Engagement: Inspire, Learn and Grow. Our specific areas of focus and key teaching strategies are embedded in each of these elements. We continue to work towards building and enriching our pillars of Wellbeing, Faith and Mission, and Access and Equity. For more information about the Learning Engagement Framework, visit the College website here, www.smc.tas. edu.au/learning/learning-engagement-framework/

Louise Bender Director of Learning and Innovation