When Australia’s Educator magazine went looking for schools around the country who are leading change and innovation in the education sector they discovered once again that Melbourne Girls Grammar was not only disrupting the education paradigm but also empowering their students to meet the challenges of the constantly evolving world they live in.
Melbourne Girls Grammar was awarded as a winner due to its implementation of a sophisticated blended learning model for Year 9 to 12 students (the senior years). All courses undertaken by students in the senior years include face-to-face and online learning. Students have both fixed and flexible experiences in their program, providing them with the capacity to shape their day according to personal goals and priorities, which have been established in consultation with teachers, wellbeing coaches and fitness coaches.
The role of the wellbeing coach is unique to Melbourne Girls Grammar’s senior years framework. Wellbeing coaches work one-on-one and in small groups with students, supporting and empowering them towards optimal wellbeing and self-efficacy. Students work collaboratively with the wellbeing coaches to track and manage the physical, emotional, psychological and social components of their wellbeing.
Another integral feature of the senior years program at Melbourne Girls Grammar is the Fit for Life program, which facilitates personalising sport and physical activity experiences by developing individual physical wellbeing plans to take into account students’ interests, motivations and goals. Fitness coaches can track student progress and therefore appropriately modify and advance programs to suit the students’ needs.
The school has also implemented a Student Enterprise Program, which specifically aims to provide experiential learning opportunities that develop the attributes of adaptability, creativity, inclusiveness and resourcefulness.
Melbourne Girls Grammar has quickly built a reputation for its ground breaking and innovative programs through creating the Centre for Educational Enterprise (CEE), and are now offering Educator Open Days to share experiences and build connections with like-minded Schools.
In its third annual Innovative Schools list, The Educator turns the spotlight on just 40 Australian schools leading the way in efforts to best prepare students for tomorrow’s world and Melbourne Girls Grammar is thrilled to be recognised once again as the only Independent Girls School in Victoria to make it onto this year’s list.
To view the full 2017 Innovative Schools Report, visit The Educator website.
