Pedagogy & Innovation Report

I would like to welcome back all members of the PCW Community and hope that you have had a pleasant and restful break.

Last week, the College staff returned and participated in a range of professional learning.  There is great energy within the community and a hopeful and excited outlook for the year ahead.  The recurring theme of our initial days was the strong desire for the students to return from holidays and get back into the rhythm of our school year.

In 2020, our theme is, ‘Flourishing as Presentation’.  All of teachers at PCW want to help our students to be the best learners that they can be.  They want each student to experience success and acknowledge that success looks different for each person.

I spoke to students on Friday at our assembly about what it takes to become that best version of themselves.  Quite simply, it takes work.  It is about making good choices, seeking support and challenging themselves to go outside of their comfort zone.  Throughout the year, students may find learning straightforward and easy, and at other times, they might find it gets hard or challenging.  Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, has written extensively on the concept of ‘growth mindset’, a belief that ability can be developed through dedication and hard work.  This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment (Dweck, 2015)

In 2020, I encourage students to …

• Embrace challenges
• Persist in the face of setbacks
• See effort as the path to success
• Learn from critical feedback

Throughout the year, I challenged students to ask themselves the following questions

• Am I doing what I need to do to be my best self?
• Am I supporting the people in my class, my house and friends to be their best self?

On behalf of the teaching staff, we hope that you all have a great Term 1 and are looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.

Simon Gitson

Director of Pedagogy & Innovation