Teaching and Learning

 

The Stories We Tell

It is 2020 and this New Year seems to be more important than others. It is a new decade and there has been much speculation about where we are heading. The last ten years have been a decade of Uber, Air BnB, LinkedIn, YouTube, iPad, iPhones, Android, Wikipedia, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Skype, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Smartphones, Netflix and it hard to believe that we ever did life without the #hashtag. It was a decade where online Influencers were the ones having a huge impact on our youth and on their learning.

 

If you paid attention to the media around the beginning of the New Year, technology has certainly been an important part of the story that is told about the last decade.  But it is not the only story.

 

I wonder what story it is that you tell about the last ten years of your life?

Storytelling provides us with an opportunity to reflect and reframe key events and experiences. Stories are intended to be told, to capture the attention of an audience and to provoke, challenge, encourage and inspire.

The theme for Teaching and Learning in 2020 is: The stories we tell…

 

For centuries, knowledge survived by being handed down from one generation to the next via oral storytelling. Stories have been an integral part of current methods of research and a fundamental way of building connection and community. Stories shape identity and influence who we are and how we see ourselves. 

 

Therefore, the stories we tell about ourselves, as teachers and students in our classroom, the stories we tell about our colleagues and our school community, for better or worse shape the learning culture we work in.

 

So, my challenge for us as the College community, of teachers, students and parents/guardians is to consider, what is the story we tell about The Hamilton and Alexandra College? 

 

My vision is that excellence in teaching and student learning at College is built upon trust and collaboration of teachers, students and parents. Relationships are key to this success and how we connect and relate to each other will be reflected in our story.

My vision is that each student can be their best and contribute to the greater good of our local and global community. At The Hamilton and Alexandra College we have students who not only know stuff but do stuff.

 

My vision is that each teacher is open and curious about learning and developing professionally. We should want to improve the craft of teaching and be the best we can be to enhance student learning.

 

It is my role as Deputy Principal Teaching and learning to encourage deep learning in our College community and help you communicate our story of an excellent staff, highly motivated students and a connected community.

 

  • Extract from Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Staff Presentation 2020

Mrs Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

VCE Studies

Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing and productive holiday break. As VCE classes commence this year, I remind students that all holiday homework from the Step Up Programme must be submitted to teachers. Please also ensure you are organised with all of your learning resources; textbooks, workbooks, Edrolo access and other materials.

 

I spoke to the Year 12 cohort before they left for their Retreat about maintaining a steady approach to their studies and the procedures required to be followed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). I will deliver a similar message to the Year 11’s in the coming weeks.

 

If you or your son/daughter have any concerns regarding their VCE Programme, please don’t hesitate to email, call or make an appointment to discuss further.

 

VCE Tip of the week: Cornell Notes Taking System

This week's exam/study tip investigates an effective note taking system that can be used in the classroom, and when preparing for exams. A free Cornell notes template can be found using the following link: https://www.tsfx.edu.au/vce/atar-central/study-tips/

 

Mrs Rebekah Bonnett

Head of VCE Studies and Head of Science