New Ambitions and Innovation

Generative AI has sparked a global shift in how educators design learning and rethink assessments. This change aligns with efforts to assess 21st Century Competencies, which we call 'Complex Competencies.'    

Current Challenges in School Success  

The current system defines success too narrowly, focusing on competitive scoring rather than standards-based achievements. It often values academic knowledge over practical skills, the ability to learn, or student agency. This approach sidelines vocational and community-based learning, forcing students to set aside their strengths, interests and motivations.  

What Learners Need to Thrive  

Students need both broad and deep learning. This includes basic literacy and numeracy, mastery of subject knowledge, and the ability to apply knowledge to benefit society. They also need transferable skills, capabilities and dispositions.  

Shifting Educational Values  

According to the OECD, success today requires a broader set of skills beyond core subjects like Science, English, and Mathematics. It's encouraging to see a global shift from memorising content to developing complex competencies, also known as 21st Century Skills or Soft Skills.  

The Role of Learner Agency  

The OECD highlights the importance of learner agency in helping young people engage in a connected, digital world. Focusing on these competencies in schools requires changes in curricula, teaching methods, and assessments. While teachers may feel limited by mandatory curricula, we can adapt our teaching and assessment practices to support this important goal.  

Our Approach at Chevalier College  

At Chevalier College, we prioritise developing and applying complex competencies within subject areas. We plan student-centred learning experiences to help students recognise and develop these skills. We work with Dr. Michael McDowell from Hinge Education (USA) to ensure our teaching methods meet the needs of today's students, equipping them with transferable skills for their future.  

Teacher Training and Student Assessment  

This term, all Year 7 teachers completed a course with the University of Melbourne, 'Measuring What Matters: Transforming Assessment and Recognition of Complex Learning Competencies.' This course helps teachers integrate complex competencies into their subjects. Later this year, Year 7 students will be assessed using a University of Melbourne tool to measure their progress in the following complex competencies  

• Agency in Learning  

• Communication  

• Collaboration  

• Quality Thinking  

• Personal Development  

• Acting Ethically  

• Active Citizenship  

Invitation to Parents  

We invite all parents to an evening with Professor Sandra Milligan on 28 April at 7.00pm. Sandra will discuss global education priorities, a more inclusive approach to schooling, and how Chevalier College is developing complex competencies in our students. More details about the event will be shared soon.  

Best regards,  

Jo Kirby 

Assistant Principal, New Ambitions and Innovation  

References:  

• Foster, N., & Piacentini, M. (Eds.). (2023). Innovating Assessments to Measure and Support Complex Skills. OECD Publishing, Paris.  

• Milligan, S., Luo, R., Kamei, T., Rice, S., & Kheang, T. (2020). Recognition of learning success for all: Ensuring trust and utility in a new approach to recognition of learning in senior secondary education in Australia. Learning Creates Australia, Melbourne, Victoria.