From the Deputy Principal

Talking 'bout a generation

This week I had a very interesting discussion with my Year Twelve class when they asked about why we call generations 'Gen X' or 'Gen Y' and how we classify demographic groups or generational cohorts over time.  Some of them had never heard about Baby Boomers, or Gen Z or Millenials.  They were also really interested in why these labels even exist.  As an educator and school leader, I believe it’s important we understand as much about each generation as possible to help us address their learning needs.  You will have noticed that we have been making constant improvements to our course offerings, all the way from Junior School through to Year Twleve, and this is driven by the changing demographic of students we are lucky enough to teach.

So, what do you we know about this fascinating current generation?  Students currently at school are part of Generation Z and are growing up in these fast-moving, complex times. Aged 3 to 17 years, the youngest of this cohort are about to enter primary school, while the oldest have just put down their pens and exam papers after finishing their final Year 12 exams. There are currently 4.6 million Gen Zs in Australia, and with this generation the learners of today and the employees of tomorrow, understanding what has shaped them, as well as what motivates them, is critical. 

Generation Z are the most materially endowed, technological saturated, formally educated generation our world has ever seen.  Generation Z are digital integrators in that they have integrated technology seamlessly into their lives  A recent study showed that more than half of Australian young people don’t wear a wristwatch because the smartphone has become the primary device used to tell the time (in addition to being the primary device for getting directions, checking the weather and taking a photo).

Gen Z is globally focused, visually engaged and a McCrindle Institute analysis of learning styles has shown the dominance in the visual and hands on learning styles above that which traditionally dominated the classroom; the auditory delivery format. 

In addition, the average young person is spending more years in formal education than ever before, with tertiary education rates similarly increasing, for today’s students, education is no longer life-stage dependant (at the start of life, before the career commences), but a life-long reality. 

The challenge for the older generations is to offer the wisdom, guidance and support so that this emerging generation can make a positive difference in their era and for the generations of the future. 

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal