Teaching and Learning Update – February 2024

Director of Teaching and Learning - Kathryn Paul

The year has begun with the commencement of many exciting initiatives and programs. This month I bring you updates on an upcoming masterclass, an innovative new program for pe-service teachers, the implementation of our Vision for Learning and our New Metrics for Success Project.

Upcoming event: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Teaching and Learning

In response to the rapid advancements in emerging technologies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, we will hold a Masterclass at our head office on Friday 8 March at 12.30pm in the Denise Satterley Room. The Masterclass will be presented by Stephen Payne, Education Consultant from Standout Education, who specialises in the Microsoft 365 Suite.

The Masterclass will:

  • address the implications and opportunities available to schools through Generative AI, and
  • explore new features across the Microsoft 365 Suite and AI for Accessibility and Inclusive Education. 

The session is open to: Heads of Teaching and Learning; Heads of Inclusive Education; Digital Learning Leaders; Teachers; and, staff on ASC AI Working Groups in schools.

New Initiative to Attract High Quality Candidates Coming Soon!

A new ASC initiative for 2024 to address teacher attraction of high-quality candidates to ASC Schools is the Professional Immersion Program for Educators (PIPE).

The Program offers paid pre-service teachers experience and mentorship within an ASC school to ensure future teachers are classroom ready.

The partnership with the ASC and the University of Western Australia (UWA) extends to Primary pre-service teachers.  The ASC partnership with Edith Cowan University (ECU) extends to Secondary pre-service teachers.

PIPE will be launched to ASC schools during Term 1, 2024.

Implementation of the Vision for Learning has commenced

ASC Schools are now in the implementation phase of the ASC Vision for Learning, following the system-wide official launch by the ASC Board and ASC CEO, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, on the 16 November 2023. The Vision for Learning aligns with our overall mission and strategic direction.

The Vision for Learning is a unified set of values and beliefs expressed in a common language to drive learning culture in ASC schools.

The ASC Learner Attributes serve as a compass to articulate the attributes, qualities and transferable skills that we believe will position our students to navigate and thrive through challenge and change, and contribute to the success and strengthening of their communities.

The Vision for Learning phase of the Vision for Learning will continue across ASC schools during 2024 and provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to commit to a shared purpose for learning in ASC schools.

 New Metrics for Success Project

Our engagement with Melbourne Assessment through the University of Melbourne continued to strengthen during 2023, allowing teachers in ASC schools to explore alternative metrics and credentials with the support of a strong and well-regarded group of researchers.

During 2023, both John Wollaston Anglican Community School and Swan Valley Anglican Community School joined 40 ‘first-mover’ schools across Australia in the New Metrics Partnership. In this partnership, Melbourne Assessment provides next-generation research-based transformative assessment tools, credentials and services, empowering systems and schools to assess and credential the complex competencies learners need for life.

A New Metrics Network has been established in Western Australia for interested schools. The WA Network is led by the ASC in partnership with Melbourne Assessment. The network provides an opportunity for WA educators involved in either a New Metrics Research Partnership or the Melbourne Assessment Community (MAC) to connect, share, and enhance the valid assessment and recognition of complex competencies in school communities.

The ASC will continue to lead the cross-sectoral WA Network meetings in partnership with Melbourne Assessment for interested schools this year.