Committees

 Future focused learning 

Future Focused Learning – What do these words mean to you? And why on earth am I bringing them up in our school newsletter? 

Our Committee began as solely ‘Inquiry’ focused. However, after careful consideration – our name has now changed to the ‘Future Focused Learning Committee’. Why you ask? Because we represent more than just a process for learning – but a vision for learning, and a vision for our students. 

Schools are not just facilities; they are communities made up of unique individuals. Our committee strives to share and create the best learning experiences possible. We aim to do what is best for our learners at Mackellar Primary School.

What is best for our learners in this day and age? To prepare them for the future. Our ultimate goal is for every student to become independent thinkers. If we combine a future focus with the foundations of English and Mathematics, why wouldn’t our students be successful global citizens? To achieve this though, we need to foster our students’ ability to direct their own learning. 

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to work closely with our school principal, Simon McGlade and best-selling author, Lee Watanbe-Crockett on some exciting new concepts.  As part of this collaboration I was invited to visit Lalor Primary School to observe their Inquiry leader facilitate a lesson focused on the concept of ‘Lesson Zero’. 

Lesson Zero allowed students to work together with their teacher to unpack an achievement standard taken straight from the curriculum, and ultimately guide their own learning on a topic. Lesson Zero aides students in reaching their destination by personalising their own learning and becoming significantly involved with their findings. 

As part of our committee action plan - teachers at Mackellar will be undertaking masterclasses run by Lee on Inquiry Learning and the importance of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria (Lesson Zero) in creating relevant, meaningful and exciting learning for our students. 

The Future Focused Learning Committee is excited to bring Lee Crockett’s knowledge and wisdom to Mackellar.

Furthermore, our committee will also be taking on responsibility for The Hive and continue our involvement with the Alanah and Madeline Foundation through our work on e-Smart to ensure that all students at our school are given equal opportunities while ensuring that they are leaving our school prepared to enter this ever-changing world. 

Gemma Matias 

Future Focussed Learning Committee leader