Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2013

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MS JACINDA EULER, PRINCIPAL

AUTHOR

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

ARTICLE

participation in the future. ‘Though it draws heavily on the accumulations of culture, education is fundamentally a preparation for the future, not a veneration of the past’ (Claxton, 2007). In building the curriculum for Year 7 in 2015 the focus has been not just on what our girls will learn, but more importantly how they will learn. Knowledge is no longer ‘power’; for, ‘with expertise, analysis and opinion just an instantaneous click away, being a know-all is no longer a viable mission’ (Bright, 2013). Critical reasoning skills, the ability to ask the right questions and collaborative skills to work effectively with others to access information is essential. This ‘creative power’ is crucial to put knowledge to good use (Bright, 2013). From 2015 all Year 7 students will learn Latin because contemporary research strongly links the study of Latin with improved literacy skills, general cognitive development and greater cultural awareness. Our girls will also study two subjects created by Girls Grammar academic staff that develop critical thinking skills and positive self-concepts about themselves as learners: Philosophy of Learning and Dispositions of Scholarship. Philosophy of Learning, taught over the past two years to our Year 8 girls, has been created from research into metacognition and the applications of neuroscience

THE SKILLS REQUIRED FOR a modern world may be different from those of a century ago, however, Brisbane Girls Grammar School has always been characterised by dedication to engaged learning, reflective practices, renewal and innovation in teaching. The introduction of Year 7 in 2015 has presented us with the opportunity to review how we are developing thinkers and learners for a global future. The UK’s Times Educational Supplement surveyed thousands of teachers recently to ask them what education is for . The list (cited in Hannon, 2013) was inspiring: - to promote passion for and engagement in learning - to grow humanity, empathy and collaborative intent - to stimulate curiosity, imagination and a futures orientation - to develop the skills to become confident, independent decision-makers about to shape our future - to build resilience and introduce the joy of falling forward - to induct into different cultures and different worlds. The emphasis is clearly on developing the skills of critical thinking and creativity, fostering empathy and engagement with others and preparing for active

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