The Learning That Matters

EDUCATING THE WHOLE PERSON

“Education is about nurturing a student’s whole character and not just those areas of educational process the system suggests are the most important. Our College’s philosophy speaks about all aspects of the person as being important and in balance. The measure of a student is far more than just a score.”
Principal, Glen McKeeman.

Collaboration with Harvard Graduate School

Since 2014, Christian College has been part of ‘Leading the Learning That Matters’, a multi-year collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero team and Independent Schools Victoria.

In identifying and exploring leadership practices necessary for planning and implementing school innovations for 21st century learning, one of its areas of focus is examining how young people can develop capacity to understand themselves, as well as others living in contexts different to their own.

Authentic experience is vital here. It puts the learner at the centre of the process and promotes direct engagement and rich learning.

Creating authentic experiences for students to build that capacity to understand who they are in their own context or world, and understand others living in different worlds, is a crucial part of Christian College’s educational perspective.

Vision Statement

At the end of their journey at Christian College, students’ will be prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of others through ‘Good Work’ that is excellent, ethical and engaged in local, national and global contexts.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift from God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Strategic Goals for Education

Encouraging, Nurturing and Modelling Christian Faith

Grappling with global and contemporary issues through a Christian worldview, informed and guided by the life and teaching of Christ as described in the truth of the Scriptures
Fostering the Christian faith, by encouraging relationships and a variety of experiences based on God’s love and grace
Leading students and staff in daily devotions to discover more about God’s purposes in our relationship with Him and others through scripture and prayer
Modelling daily interactions that reflect Christ’s life and reflect His character
Embedding the Christian College values that are inclusive and respectful of individual differences and diversity
Guiding our students and staff to find purpose and meaning for their lives in Christ as they negotiate a complex and challenging world
Engaging with the Christian faith through a variety of experiences and contexts both inside and outside of the classroom

Quality Effective Teaching

Responding to God’s calling to teach from a heart of love, care and concern for all students
Developing strong intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, built on trust, integrity and knowledge of students
Engaging with young people through an inherent desire to see growth in learning and personal character, stemming from the teachers’ professional knowledge, practice and passion
Seeking to improve one’s teaching craft and develop best practice, acting on feedback and professional growth opportunities
Actively contributing to collegial relationships and collaborating on the development of curriculum pedagogy and design
Engineering the learning so that it is engaging, targeted and differentiated to meet the needs of all students
Setting goals for professional growth and goals for student growth through a process of feedback and self-reflection
Recognising that all teachers are leaders and as such, should always be aware of their spheres of influence

Building Capacity to Learn

Encouraging them to reflect on their place in the world as active global citizens with a call to serve others
Engaging with curriculum that seeks to make meaningful connections between their learning and the world in which they live
Acquiring knowledge and skills in all key learning areas, with a thirst to own their own learning, think critically and act on timely feedback
Linking their personal sense of wellbeing with their competence and purpose as a learner
Partnering in their learning with teachers of excellence who provide them with deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices
Fostering the relationships between home and school, enhancing a partnership that values and nurtures a culture of learning
Responding to formative and summative feedback from teaching staff, reflecting on assessments and adapting practices that support growth in learning

Our Learning Environments

Acknowledging that the physical space of a learning environment is a critical variable affecting student engagement, mode of teaching and learning, and the general tone of the classroom
Creating spaces that support multiple and diverse teaching and learning programs and pedagogies, including current technologies
Fostering student ownership and involvement in the creation of their learning environment to empower them, inspire them and assist in developing community
Constructing and re-modelling facilities that support the user and different uses, whilst being flexible, dynamic and reflective of the environment
Encouraging the creation of spaces that enhance collaboration and social participation
Providing physical learning spaces that are safe, secure, comfortable and stimulating for students and staff
Utilising outdoor learning spaces and environments to harness students’ curiosity, support health and wellbeing, and foster the joy and wonder of nature

Our Thriving Community

Reflecting a nurturing family that cares for and values each member, allowing them to grow and flourish
Fostering and underpinning all relationships through daily interactions that encapsulate the College values
Enabling a diverse range of individuals to contribute to a common vision and purpose
Encouraging students to serve and share resources to impact the lives of others both locally and globally
Building healthy and cooperative relationships between all educational stakeholders – students, families and staff
Creating a culture where all community participants feel safe, valued and listened to
Promoting a positive culture that values learning where students and staff are challenged and engaged
Celebrating the unique attributes of each individual and supporting them to expand their physical health and mental wellbeing
Cultivating a community of confident and resilient students, who are able to thrive in all aspects of school life and in life beyond school

Global competencies

The Learning that Matters is informed by, and aligns with, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2030). Beyond functional job skills, we recognise the need to develop competencies that will have the greatest impact on a student’s success in the global workforce, at the same time supporting sustainable development goals.

Skillful communication

This assists students to share and communicate ideas clearly, become better listeners and engage in respectful interactions with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Problem solving

This steps students through a dynamic process, often including Design Thinking and/or inquiry-based learning, to create and develop new and innovative outcomes.

Self-direction

This ensures students have the organisational and interpersonal skills to self-manage their time, emotions, resilience, and interactions with others. These ‘soft–skills’ are valued now more than ever.

Digital literacy

A highly necessary life skill. Not only is it essential to enhance learning in just about every subject, it also equips students to safely and ethically navigate their digital world.

Critical and creative thinking

This enables students to uncover complexity, consider different viewpoints, ask questions and reason with evidence.

Collaboration

This prepares students with the skills to interact, work with others and lead in a team environment, identifying their strengths and areas for growth and harnessing the best from their peers.

Literacy and numeracy

These are the foundation skills that underpin all learning areas. They help us to learn, experiment, reason and create throughout the school journey and beyond.

Global connectedness

This enables students to learn from others, with others and for others whilst seeking to make a positive difference. It explores personal and social awareness and contributing to a civil society.

A growth mindset

We want our students to be safe in the knowledge that their education at Christian College is about growth. Having a growth mindset will help students to see that their IQ, or their ability to accomplish, is not a fixed outcome – they have a capacity to improve throughout their journey. We also want them to stare down mistakes, for it is in making mistakes that true learning takes place, which ultimately leads to growth.

Learning Through Experiences

Through action, interaction and reflection, students find themselves at the centre of the learning process. A sense of self is developed along with skills and understanding.