Networks 

Lightbulb Moments and Learning Design Guides

Rebecca Hunter - Head of Learning and Curriculum (Secondary) 

I love a lightbulb moment. That moment when everything seems to 'click' into place, and a student's face lights up as they finally understand the concept or problem they have been wrestling with. They exclaim 'Oh, now I get it!', and connections are made between what they already know and the new concept or problem they are grappling with; they feel a sense of achievement and a measure of success. 

  

The best learning happens when students struggle. When the neurons are firing on all cylinders and students are fully engaged and immersed in the task in front of them, when they are curious and challenged and want to know more. 

  

Learning happens in lots of different spaces and in many ways. It doesn't just happen in a classroom or exam room. It isn't measured merely through grades or marks on assessments. It isn't just about academics, words on a page or science prac results. It doesn't just happen in our brains, but involves our bodies, our feelings and our emotions. It is relational, it is purposeful. 

  

Here in the Secondary school, we have recently launched our Learning in Secondary guide, which is a framework for teachers on our learning approach. This framework includes the following guiding principles: 

  

  1. We are a community of storytellers, whose stories exist within God's broader Kingdom story. 
  2. We present Jesus’ message enthusiastically, thoughtfully, authentically, and positively, whilst recognising the individual faith journey of each child. 
  3. We believe learning and wellbeing are interconnected and work together to support all learners academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. 
  4. We develop broad skills in our learners, enabling them to navigate the world, critique culture, solve problems, take responsibility, and create things that add beauty and value. 
  5. We are 'for' our students and optimistic about their capacity, recognising their uniqueness as image bearers of God. 
  6. We design learning experiences that foster a sense of belonging, shape our students' understanding of faith and identity, and cultivate an awareness of purpose. 
  7. We are informed by our values - respect, integrity, perseverance, compassion, kindness, justice, and humility. 

  

 YEAR 10 EXAM CHANGES AND THE PURPOSE PROJECT 

  

In line with our principles, we engage in continual reflection on how we can do learning better.  Part of this process is looking at how we assess and credential our students. In our Secondary school we are currently reviewing how we approach exams.  

 

While still a relevant part of schooling, we do not believe that sitting an exam and the results for that exam should be seen as the 'pinnacle of learning', but rather as one in a suite of options for assessing students. So, whilst exam 'practice' is still needed to prepare students for the Year 12 VCAA exams, we are taking a different approach in Year 10. 

  

This year, our Year 10 students will still sit end-of-year exams for their second semester subjects and electives, but not mid-year exams. The end-of-year exams will be included in a new combined Year 10/11 exam and stepping up schedule. This will enable all students to sit their exams and attend stepping up classes without any clashes. These exams will focus on teaching exam and time management skills and will include opportunities for our Year 10s to reflect on their exam experience and set learning goals for the following year.  

  

The mid-year Year 10 exams will be replaced by a NEW learning initiative - the Purpose Project. This will run throughout Term 2 in CELL classes and culminate in a week of activities late in Term 2 which are designed to grow and develop the broader skill set that our learners will require in the world of work.

 

This new project is being developed by our awesome Career Practitioner, Emily Gosbell, and her team. It includes a significantly increased emphasis on work experience, which you can read more about in Emily’s article overleaf.

 

For those who might be wondering about the Year 10 maths pathway program, it will use an ‘in class time’ placement test as well as data from throughout the semester to determine placements for the second semester maths subjects