IMMERSE AND INSPIRE Evolutionary education
Feedback from boys and parents alike following the recent trials of our new Immerse & Inspire programme has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming our intention for all Year 10 students to take part in this innovative educational initiative from 2018.
The result of a lot of careful planning and preparation – not least converting the top floor of Jacobs House into a comfortable lounge and learning space – Immerse & Inspire places as much emphasis on developing character as it does on classroom work. Director of The Centre for Character & Leadership Darrell Thatcher says running the trials have clearly demonstrated that the benefits of Immerse & Inspire far outweigh any downsides. “It’s not just about learning in class, but
also about the learning that goes on outside of the classroom. Year 10 students don’t have the same academic pressures as seniors and they’re at a significant age in terms of boys’ development. Immerse & Inspire respects their growing sense of independence and self-awareness, and gives them the opportunity to get to know and understand each other. It’s about building community. This experience will hopefully be of benefit to them as they move up the school.”
Over four weeks, the boys lived as boarders in Jacobs House, with two of those weeks in the classroom as per usual, one week learning about social entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Awesome, and one week in the wilderness, completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award adventurous journey at the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre. A series of educational sessions – including lessons about gratitude and empathy from College Counsellor John Quinn, a study skills workshop with Patrick Sherratt
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College Issue 33 2017
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