Deputy Principals
PETER CUMMINS
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Supporting International Colleagues
Oakleigh Grammar has again agreed to take part in a major project with Monash University and the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project “Building Leadership for Change through School Immersion” aims to contribute to the realisation of Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan 2030, and transform school education across the Kingdom by exposing Saudi Teachers to best practice in teaching and learning around the world.
Oakleigh Grammar was approached by Monash University to accommodate two groups of three Saudi teachers over two placement periods: three female teachers form 28th May to 14th September, and three male teachers from 15th October to 23rd November; nine and six week placements respectively.
The purpose of the school placement is for the Saudi teachers to be immersed in the learning culture and practice of a top performing Australian school, to observe classes, interact with teachers, and be exposed to new and innovative ways of teaching and learning. To support their learning, each Saudi teacher will be mentored by an Oakleigh Grammar teacher.
The school placement will be three days per week (Tuesday to Thursday). On a Monday, the Saudi teachers are at Monash University taking part in seminars on teaching and learning practice. The participants will also be working on a project for implementation in their school once they return to Saudi Arabia. It is hoped that through the school immersion experience they will find inspiration and ideas for their project focus.
As an IB World School, our aim is foster and develop intercultural understanding, international mindedness and global engagement, and how better to do this than to be a key player in this international education program, and contribute to the transformation of school education across Saudi Arabia.
PETER DICKINSON
Deputy Principal - Operations
Building Connections
I recently attended the The Grand Canal - Gongshu Education Forum in Hangzhou, China, which was fully hosted and sponsored by the Hangzhou Gongshu Government. With a specific focus on building Australia – China relations through education, the forum included 30 educational leaders from all sectors in Australia, and over 600 principals from across the Hangzhou region.
The theme of the forum looked at the core capabilities or attributes of students from a global perspective, how schools are responding to greater internationalisation of education, and how we can support students to develop the core capabilities. A number of speakers from both countries presented on developments in their schools. It was interesting to note how there is a real push in China now towards education being more focussed on the development of the whole person, and not solely on academics. There was also some interesting dialogue between participants on how schools may be able to implement more individualised curriculum whilst balancing the requirements from national or state authorities.
We also had the opportunity to visit a number of leading schools. Attending a flag raising assembly with over 3000 primary school students and visiting a school which had 15000 students and 1500 teachers in their group of schools across multiple campuses, provides some idea of scale and the complexities that many schools in China face. Most classes were also in the 35-40 range. However, what struck me in all the schools was the very strong emphasis placed on ensuring their students participated in classes and activities that provided them with a strong appreciation of their own culture. In addition, especially in the visual arts, was the incredible fine motor skills on display, even from a young age.
In reflecting on my recent forum experiences, and then thinking of Oakleigh Grammar, I believe we are in a very good position in the way we support our students in developing a range of capabilities and attributes that support them grow, and help in preparing them for the future. We continue to build connections internationally, and look at the design of our curriculum with global perspectives. Importantly, we are a school that values developing a strong appreciation of our students understanding of their own traditions and culture. This week’s ANZAC Commemoration Assembly was one example.
