From the Director of Innovative Pedagogies
Odyssey: A Long and Eventful Adventure or Experience
2024 was the year we launched our pilot Year Seven program, Odyssey. From the beginning we wanted a model of education that partnered great academics with deep and worthwhile skills that would set students up for learning inside and outside the classroom. We are now in an evaluation phase with staff and students as we refine the model for 2025 and ensure that the educational experience we provide is the very best quality possible.
As we get closer to the end of the year I want to share some of the highlights the teachers and I have seen.
Greater Self Awareness
The PBL periods this semester, as well as the other classes and experiences students have taken part in have challenged them to think about themselves and their locus of control. That is, what can they control, their attitudes, their responses and their self-belief. We have seen students grow in an understanding of how they learn, what they find helpful and importantly, what to do when they are feeling stuck or like things are not working. This self-awareness is not just helpful for the classroom, but also for broader life as they manage their time, relationships and priorities.
Dealing with People
As adults we are aware that finding a way to work with colleagues, or get along with family members who may not be our favourite people is just part of life. Workplaces are made up teams of people who sometimes work well together, and sometimes do not. Year Seven, through their projects have needed to work this out too, with assistance and scaffolding from their teachers. At various points they have needed to find the bravery and language to tell a group member that they feel they are letting the group down, as well as how to listen to the ideas and opinions of others.
We have certainly seen the value for students in working through the interpersonal challenges of the program. While not all interactions have been joyful, they have been beneficial. Seeing the students understand how they are better off for working through these personal differences has been very rewarding personally; it has felt risky at times but I am confident now seeing the results that we have made the right decisions.
This being said, the very significant number of interactions between students has been positive, growth-oriented and warm. They have interacted widely across the grade, made friends with people they probably would not have otherwise, and become comfortable collectively far faster than other Year Seven groups. Their relationships are all the better for taking part in this program.
Persistence and Problem Solving
A lot has been written about the grit and resilience of young people for some years now. Very little of it is flattering. However, throughout the year we have seen individuals build their persistence and willingness to push through and reach greater and greater levels. They do not give up when there is a setback, they just try something different. This can be a small tweak or something more sizable, but very rarely do they just throw up their hands and quit.
The 2024 Odyssey was certainly the ‘long and eventful adventure or experience’ we were promised. Some moments were magnificent, some were less so. Some were simply hard. Regardless, I am thankful that our students were able to participate in a program that build skills and knowledge that placed them in the driving seat of their education. Congratulations to the team of teachers that pushed this forward, in particular Miss Coote and Mrs Naumann. They too have learned a lot about themselves and education this year. Next stop, 2025!
The Wilderness Education classes in Stage Five ran a number of sessions for Year Seven that were designed to challenge them in positive, fun and helpful ways. Here they needed to stack milk crates into a tower while standing on it. The record was nine crates high!
Christopher Sanders
Director of Innovative Pedagogies