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Faith Lutheran College is one of two “rural schools” to be named finalists at the Australian Education Awards

A program called Wellbeing on Wednesday, which centres around growth of students, has aided in the schools nomination success

Faith Lutheran College students. PHOTO: FLC
Faith Lutheran College students. PHOTO: FLC

Faith Lutheran College is one of two rural-classified schools to be named finalists at the Australian Education awards.

The Plainland college is one of five independent schools in the running to take the title of best non-government secondary school in Australia, with the winner to be announced in August.

The awards are open to all non-government schools across Australia with Faith’s nomination coming largely on its philosophical change in direction towards empowering students.

Deputy director of learning and communities Reid Dobson said the student empowerment, soft skill development and student wellbeing were huge drivers in the nomination.

Known to the college as Wellbeing on Wednesday, the initiative emphasises the holistic growth of students – devoting a full day of campus life to learning and personal development activities.

The program, which began this year, has resulted in improvements in traditional classroom settings, Mr Dobson said.

“Through the Wednesday program, students are developing skills that are all core to lifelong learning,” he said.

“Providing an opportunity to focus on the development of these skills, and for students to play a more active role in their own learning, has increased student engagement across the board.

“It fosters an enthusiasm that carries into other areas of learning throughout the week.”

Students also complete passion projects through mentor-style relationships with industry experts and members of the college community, principal Doug Braiden said.

“What we are doing at faith is innovative and completely student-focused,” Mr Braiden said.

“Our willingness to try something different and the volume of positive feedback we are receiving from both staff and students has really set us apart.”

Mr Braiden said being recognised as a finalist in a national award was an extension of the positive change at the school.

Fellow finalists include Queensland schools St Josephs’s Nudgee, Ormiston College and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

Faith Lutheran College is only one of two colleges classified as rural that made finalist selection.

“For a rural, low-fee school to be identified as a leader in education innovation and contemporary learning is a testament to our teaching and learning staff,” Mr Braiden said.

The college is preparing its final submission for the second phase of judging, with winning schools to be announced on Friday, August 27.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gatton/faith-lutheran-college-is-one-of-two-rural-schools-to-be-named-finalists-at-the-australian-education-awards/news-story/c86503bbb538fa3e954383d49a550689