On Monday Greg Whitby, Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Parramatta presented to our staff, making the following key points:
1. Schools risk irrelevancy. Kids now simply expect to operate in a connected environment and there is little sense in schools banning mobile phones, which are often more powerful than the technology available in schools.
2. Beware of conformity. One size never fits all.
3. Learning is optional in schools, whereas attendance is compulsory. Could it be reversed so that learning is compulsory and attendance optional?
4. A major shift is occurring from having the focus on the teacher to having the focus on the learner. We need to start where the students are, with what they can do. He described this as ‘the dying end of slavery’.
5. The teacher in the classroom is critical and we need to continually improve our practice.
6. We lack innovation and creativity, and we will only get this by allowing teachers to take more responsibility.
7. We are co-constructors of knowledge with our students and we need to begin viewing our schools less as classrooms and more as performance spaces.
The reaction from the staff was mixed. Some found the presentation inspiring (typically ELC-6 staff and newer senior school staff?) and others found it confronting. Staff from the ELC commented, “Truly inspiring. The whole ELC team has spoken positively of their experiences and discussions they had. It has left us wanting more. I feel its a very exciting time in education. We certainly will be talking, questioning and reflecting on our practices and viewing our ELC through a different lense.”
