Our School
Learning and Teaching
Ҵý has adopted a self-directed approach to learning. In self-directed learning (SDL), it is the student who takes both the initiative and the responsibility for their learning. In essence, our students are “learning to learn.” The self-directed journey is one in which students learn to think critically, to process information perceptually, to analyse data accurately and evaluate situations intelligently in order that they fulfil their true potential.
Students begin to integrate self-directed learning into their approach in Year 3. This is accomplished with the use of student diaries in which students set out their goals for learning and reflect on how and whether they have achieved those goals. As they progress through the lower school, they take more and more responsibility for the process of their learning until they reach the high school environment, where the majority of student learning is self-directed.
In SDL, once the student takes the initiative for their learning, that student then assumes complete responsibility and accountability for their learning experience. It is the student who then follows that learning through to its conclusion. This does not mean that there is no input from others, quite the contrary. However, in the SDL model, the teacher is no longer the “sage on the stage” but rather a “guide at the side,” and students learn from many different resources, including each other. The crucial element is that the student drives his or her learning experience, beginning with recognizing a need to learn.
The benefits of self-directed learning are numerous. It promotes in students a natural development of self-confidence, perseverance, initiative, and accountability. With self-directed learning, students become lifelong learners, and its benefits are felt long after a student has left school.
Learning to Learn Framework
The Learning to Learn Framework was designed specifically for the Ҵý network and is based on research and best practice, and extensive consultation with members of the school community. The Framework provides a structure for self-directed learning: the Assignment, Lesson, and Study. These three elements combine to provide support for students as they develop independence as learners, and promote collaboration among teachers and students across campuses and schools. The Framework takes into account the structures around video-conferencing and distance learning. An important component of the Learning to Learn Framework is the development of Learning Centers that enable students and teachers to work together in an inviting, collaborative and flexible space in which students take ownership of their own learning.
Our Learning Environments
In 25 years, Ҵý has grown from a single campus, converted residential facility, with two teachers and 60 students, to more than 130 campuses in 20 countries, with 8,500 students.
Our physical environments are built around the concept of ‘the Learning Centre.’ Learning can happen anywhere and everywhere and the designation of the term “Learning Centre” at Ҵý acknowledges the reality that learning is not restricted to a time or place. A Learning Centre (LC) is the main learning hub for our students. In our newly built campuses, the entire learning environment is in effect a Learning Centre. The Learning Centre is equipped with a range of Learning Zones, resources and seating options to facilitate our students Learning to Learn needs.
Within the Learning Centre, students have the environment in which to self-direct their learning and complete all assigned course work.
To deliver this range of learning experiences, specific teachers are assigned to facilitate learning in the Learning Centre, although many teachers choose to work in the Learning Centre when they are not on class. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that the atmosphere in the space is such that the students can perform to the expected level. Although Learning Centres may be slightly different in size and layout depending on the campus, they should essentially function in the same way.
Digital Literacy is recognised as a key requirement in a student’s portfolio of graduate skills, and as a result the classroom is an increasingly technology-rich rich learning environment. Throughout our global network of schools and campuses we have much in common in exploring and using a range of tools and devices for great quality educational experiences. For many, this means a purpose-built video conference classroom connecting students and their teacher over great distances; for others this is the introduction of student laptops or similar communication technology. We have many online classrooms too – with Courses and Programs of Learning on Canvas and teacher collaboration areas on our Professional Learning and Development Hub.
The Global School
Our Teachers
We have a focus on recruiting and retaining quality teachers and offer an attractive package with competitive remuneration, good student discipline, proven academic performance, and small class sizes.
Many of our teachers have years of experience teaching in both government and independent schools from many parts of the globe. This breadth of diversity of professional background along with ongoing professional development provides our schools with a strong teaching culture. Teaching in this environment, with small to medium class sizes also contributes greatly to a high level of job satisfaction, whilst at the same time yielding excellent student achievements.
Each campus is committed to and is governed by the national curriculum and its associated pedagogy. We take every opportunity to be involved in Government Education Learning and Development Programs. Each campus complements these programs with its own more specific requirements.
Our in-house teacher academy provides a teacher training program that is second to none. As a school at the leading edge of technology and teaching innovation, the capabilities our teachers develop, provide them with outstanding career progression opportunities within Ҵý.
Our Students
Ҵý delivers high quality learning for students from Year 3 through to Year 12 (referred to as Year 4 to Year 13 In some regions). Our students are respectful, eager students who show great commitment to their learning.
Community Support
The school shares a strong relationship with the Plymouth Brethren Christian church. Our parents take a keen interest in general campus life and in their child’s learning. School events are well attended by parents and our teachers find the school community highly supportive and engaged in comparison to many schools they may have taught in.
Performance
- Ҵý Western Australia – listed as one of Australia’s top eight schools in Naplan Growth
- Ҵý UK - The SIS independently assesses schools and rates them on a scale. In total now, ҴýGlobal has six of our campuses ranked as “Outstanding” in all areas. Further, no campus has been rated below the level of “Good.” These results are an outstanding achievement. Further, of the five “Outstanding” schools featured by the SIS for 2017/18, three are Focus schools. In 2018/19 SIS has featured a single school as outstanding in all areas, Ҵý’s Dunstable campus.