From the Director of Pedagogy and Innovation

Linking Classroom Learning to Real Life

This week four teachers and Mr Coote were out visiting another school in the next step towards out new look Year 7 program. Today I wanted to share with you the incredible benefits of deep, sustained project learning that our 2024 students will be taking part in.

At Blue Mountains Grammar School, we believe in providing an enriching and transformative education that goes beyond traditional methods. Deep, sustained project learning will be an increasingly important tool as it opportunities that shape the academic, social, and personal growth of our young learners.

One of the key benefits of this approach is its focus on fostering a deeper understanding of subjects. Rather than mere memorisation, students are encouraged to dive deep into topics, making connections, and applying knowledge in real-life contexts. This results in a more profound comprehension of the material, enabling students to retain and apply their learning more effectively.

Moreover, deep, sustained project learning nurtures critical thinking skills. By engaging in four long-term projects over the year, students develop their ability to analyse problems, think critically, and devise innovative solutions. They learn the art of perseverance and are unafraid to experiment and learn from setbacks. These invaluable skills empower our students to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

Collaboration is another essential aspect of this learning approach. Through working together on projects, students develop excellent teamwork and communication skills. They learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, harnessing the power of collaboration to achieve collective goals. These skills are not only vital for academic success but also lay the foundation for success in their future careers. By encouraging them to explore their interests and passions, we witness a surge of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This freedom to explore fosters a genuine love for learning, making education a joyful and fulfilling experience.

At our school, we believe in empowering students to take ownership of their education. Deep, sustained project learning encourages this sense of ownership as students become active participants in shaping their learning journey. They set their goals, take initiative, and become self-directed learners, all of which are vital skills for their lifelong learning journey.

Furthermore, we are committed to making education relevant to the real world. By bridging classroom learning with practical applications, students grasp the significance of their education beyond textbooks. This connection with real-life scenarios sparks curiosity and enthusiasm, driving students to excel in their studies. We are very much looking forward to seeing how our new 2024 students will respond to this. As always, there will be strong teacher support and we will be keenly watching how our teachers and students learn together.

Stay tuned for more updates on these projects in the future.

Mr Chris Sanders

Director of Pedagogy and Innovation