Engaging students key focus of new partnership

They are doing this through partnerships with Murdoch University, the Australian National Schools Network and UK learning specialists David and Clare Price.

Mr Price works with the Innovation Unit in the UK and with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership to help develop new ways of teaching.

Recently, educators from primary and secondary schools in Mandurah, Rockingham, Pinjarra and Kwinana met to discuss how they could make school more relevant for students.

Halls Head Community College also engaged the Prices to train staff members.

Principal Graham Butler said the college needed to keep step with students’ needs.

‘Young people are faced with complex challenges and it is great to see staff embracing this and enabling them to meet those challenges,’ he said.

One initiative is an on-site Big Picture Academy.

‘Our staff members are fully immersed in reflecting on and refining practices to allow students to see that learning has value beyond their life at school,’ Mr Butler said.

‘It takes place all the time, everywhere and is of lasting value.’