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August 1
I have noticed recently a slight shift in the lens with which I use to look at education. And to be honest, upon reflection, there has been a quite a big shift in the last four to five years. And it’s a good thing because it shows that I don’t have a fixed mindset when it comes to how I view education and student learning. It means that I am constantly reviewing, reflecting and inquiring into my own practice and my own skill set. I think I have been able to adjust the way I deliver learning opportunities to meet the specific needs of my students. I don’t believe or pretend that I am successful for every student, but I do believe that the effort has been made to at least try.
Where once my lens was all about digital devices and 1-1, I have now moved beyond this. I now see that education is about so much more than digital devices. For the students that walk into our classroom everyday, education is first and foremost about student well being. It’s about creating a space where our students feel safe. It’s about creating a space where I students feel comfortable being themselves. It’s about having a space which the student’s feel is theirs and it's about having a space where the students know their voice is heard and where their voice directly impacts on their wellbeing.
We have been successful in achieving this so far this year. We have focused on Key Competencies, which has been the umbrella or framework with which we have delivered the curriculum. Our AO’s have been kept simple and consist of having a positive attitude, putting in your best effort, and one Key Competency each term. Student self reflection has has been set against those three criteria. This has allowed a common language to develop and has allowed our students to taste success, which for many, has been a relatively new experience.
Keeping things simple has also provided an environment for students  confidence and motivation to improve, which has in turn encouraged students to be far more engaged. This has led to improved pride in the work being produced, which again, has led to students experiencing more success in their learning tasks. Our students are far more engaged in their work. They are taking more risks in the ideas and projects they design and they are developing  better critical thinking skills.
Of course each day brings it’s own challenges and struggles and not every student has a great day everyday. However, in 12 years of teaching, I have never experienced such an invigorating learning environment, nor have I witnessed such a large group of students so constantly engaged with their learning. We are doing something unique and something special which will only improve over time.


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