PRACTICAL LEARNING
From 2012, GNLC began introducing a range of design subjects including Product Design Textiles, Engineering, Food Studies, Product Design Wood, Robotics and Materials and Digital Technology. In 2018, the College introduced the Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway, enabling students to combine their VCE studies with a vocational qualification in Early Childhood, Building and Construction or Business. By 2021, students could complete VET subjects in the following areas: Ȩ Building and Construction Ȩ Community Services and Health Ȩ Manufacturing and Engineering Ȩ Sport and Recreation ADAPTING AND RESPONDING In 2020 the global COVID-19 pandemic saw Victorian school grounds closed to many students (except the children of essential workers and those in the high-risk category), for months at a time. Thousands of students learnt from home, as the state battled outbreaks of the new virus and lockdowns were mandated to prevent its spread. Across 2020 – 2021, students and staff adapted to the constant change and uncertainty created by the pandemic. Creativity and innovation from staff, and perseverance from students, was required to continue teaching and learning. Parents and caregivers were more involved than ever in their children’s education, supervising learning from home for months at a time. Teachers pivoted quickly to provide learning to students remotely and continued to adapt in response to feedback. Classes were delivered via a mix of live video lessons and digital platforms. Live webinars were held to enable prospective parents to meet Principal, Fiona McAuliffe. “We are very thankful for the extremely dedicated Leadership Team and staff, who so often, went over and beyond the call of duty. I thank them for their diligence and effectiveness in moving to providing online learning in a very short space of time. The work of staff in this area was exceptional and stood out amongst similar work done by schools within our region,” wrote Russell Wedding, College Board Chair. “I can still hear myself saying, ‘I can tell the difference between when your screen is actually frozen and when you are just pretending to be a statue…’ I think it was at that very moment I realised that my Prep students and I were becoming very comfortable with each other and with remote learning. We didn’t get it completely right at first,” remembers Stephanie Wurst, current teacher. “We (the Prep teachers) began by making video lessons for students to watch, setting activities for them to complete via SeeSaw and meeting with them in large groups to read or to complete live video lessons.” “As we faced the daily challenges of COVID-19, many would argue that it was the Senior students who suffered the most, with the final years of their education interrupted and many of the rituals of their final year changed significantly or lost completely. Yet despite the obstacles, our VCE students rose to the challenge and we experienced our strongest academic results in the College’s history during those two challenging years,” recalls Tracy Williams, current teacher.
HOW WE LEARN: 25 YEARS OF CHANGE
DIGITAL LEARNING: COMPUTING AND IT
When Good News Primary School first opened its doors, it was still early days for computing and IT in education. The 1999 school prospectus listed ‘Computer Studies’ as part of its integrated curriculum and in 2003, a dedicated computer room was set up. By 2004, the computer room offered internet access for 12 computers. As digital learning evolved, so did Good News. By 2008, Information and Communication Technology was offered as a subject and in 2014, Programming was introduced as a Year 8 elective. In 2021, a 1:1 device policy was introduced across the College, meaning that every student has their own device for learning. In Senior Years, students have their own laptop, while students learn with iPads in Middle and Junior Years.
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