ASMS principal Jayne Heath explains the formula behind science and maths
The world and the way we educate students has changed, Australian Science and Mathematics School principal Jayne Heath says, because information is now everywhere.
East, Inner Suburbs & Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from East, Inner Suburbs & Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Supporting students to be lifelong learners inspired Australian Science and Mathematics School principal Jayne Heath to work in eduction. She shares her passion for the job for our A Matter of Principals series.
What made you decide to work in education?
I wanted to help young people grow and become happy members of our community. I’m passionate about empowering young people to have a say in what’s happening in their lives and their society, and giving them the confidence to contribute to discussions in an informed way.
What has been your proudest moment as an educator?
I’m proud every day when I hear students talking about how happy they are and how excited they are to be learning. I’m proud that the ASMS has designed new approaches to learning that are meaningful, and that we’ve created a school where young people feel
challenged in their learning, and it’s somewhere they want to be.
And the most challenging moment?
Establishing the ASMS as a brand new school was challenging, exciting and a
privilege.
What’s in your lunchbox?
I like to pack a salad and healthy food that is sustaining, and will carry me through the
day.
What was your best subject at school?
Any subject where my teachers gave me the opportunity to connect learning with
what was happening in the outside world. This is a philosophy we embrace at the
ASMS.
And your worst?
Any subject with a focus on rote learning that did not accommodate individual
differences or my own interests.
How will students and society as a whole benefit from the current emphasis on
STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects in schools?
STEM gives students the opportunity to transfer their knowledge and skills from a
discipline such as mathematics to its application. As they learn about mathematical
concepts and scientific theories, they can see how these are applied in the world.
Schools can’t teach students everything they need to know for their future but we
can support them to be lifelong learners so they can transfer their knowledge and
skills across a range of contexts, and continue to learn.
Is there a downside?
Some see STEM as not having a connection with the humanities and arts. That’s not the way we see it at ASMS. As a school that focuses on science and mathematics we make sure we emphasise connections with the arts and humanities. A focus on STEM need not be at the expense of creativity. For example, we encourage students to explore historical contexts of scientific discoveries, and to consider philosophical positions, and differing perspectives, around new technologies and debates.
If you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Work hard to achieve your goals, and be kind to yourself and others.
How has the job of teaching changed since you started your career?
The most obvious changes have been around the impact of new technologies, as well as research around our understanding of learning and learners. School design is also very different – the ASMS has very open learning environments. During the 18 years since our school opened we’ve noticed how significant this design has been in supporting our students to feel comfortable and safe, and to work with their classmates and teachers in very collaborative ways.
MORE NEWS
Green light for Adelaide’s first cat curfew
Clone on the Grange: 17 cookie-cutter townhouses
Western suburbs school upgrades
How have the students changed?
Most significantly in their access to information, which has become easy and quick but can also be conflicting and confusing. As teachers it’s important we support students to use that information in ethical and constructive ways. Access to information has also changed the role of teachers. We are no longer the fount of all knowledge in the classroom, we are facilitators of learning.
If you weren’t an educator what would you be?
Something else that involves working with young people. I know how privileged I am
to have this opportunity.
What’s your go-to soundtrack?
If I’m looking for something upbeat I’ll listen to Duke Dumont, and I also enjoy
guitarist Slava Grigoryan.
What was your favourite book as a teenager?
The Lord of the Rings. I love the way J.R.R. Tolkien created an entire fantasy world
through words.
What diary date have you marked as a highlight for the 2020 school year?
Our open night on April 30 and open day on July 29. These events will be run by ASMS students to showcase what they love about our school to prospective families.
ASMS is a specialist science and mathematics school for students in Years 10, 11 and 12, located at Flinders University.