Teaching and Learning

Launch of our new Contemporary Learning Spaces

This term saw the launch and activation of two Contemporary Learning Spaces (CLS). This is a first for the College, and an acknowledgment of the evolving needs of the students of today, changes to teaching practices, the routine incorporation of technologies, and the expectations of a 21st century workforce.

Prior to refurbishment, the former C11 and C12 were characterised by an industrial-age layout of rows of desks and chairs. These have now been replaced with furniture and designated spaces that can be configured to accommodate the physical, pedagogical and social context in which deep learning occurs. The paradigm shift in the education sector over recent decades has seen didactic, teacher-centric instruction make way for a constructivist approach which enables students to be protagonists of their own learning, increase motivation and engagement, and foster complex competencies.

The CLSs, not to be confused with ‘open classrooms’, have been reported in recent research* to have a positive impact on learning outcomes as well as wellbeing. As our first groups of Stage 4 students participated in their first learning experiences in the CLS, they reported enjoying the opportunities to collaborate with their peers in the ‘Watering hole’, self-select to attend a teacher-led workshop in the ‘Campfire’, or retreat to the ‘Cave’ where they could prioritise and implement feedback.

*Kariippanon, K. et al (2018). Perceived interplay between flexible learning spaces and teaching, learning and wellbeing. Springer: Learning Environments Research, 2018.

Mrs Jo Kirby

Assistant Principal - New Ambitions and Innovation

Murasakino High School - Japanese Visit

We are delighted that our Japanese student exchange program has recommenced after a pause due to Covid, and we were very excited to welcome twenty students and two staff from Murasakino High School in Japan for a two week visit.  They arrived on the day of our Sports Winterfest, so were welcomed with a full day of sports on campus concluding with a magnificent fireworks display - we had to explain that not every Saturday at Chev looked like this!

The students stayed with Chev host families and participated in College life, including music, studies of religion, drama, agriculture, maths, science, food technology, ceramics, sport, and of course Japanese classes.

They took part in workshops including CAPALOT (creative and performing arts), inter-cultural communications and Taiko drumming, joined Year 9 on their retreat, and also enjoyed a trip to Shoalhaven Zoo and Adventure World.

The students also had plenty of free time to spend with their host families, giving them the opportunity to discover the offerings of the Southern Highlands and beyond.

Chev students and staff have been greatly enriched by this interaction with our Japanese visitors and it has been hard to say goodbye.  Wonderful new friendships were forged, and the memories of our time together will be treasured by us all.

Mrs Leah Robertson

Teacher - Languages