Dubbo College South Campus high school reveals innovative changes

A revolutionary approach to teaching and state-of-the-art furniture are being rolled out at one high school. FIND OUT WHY.

Ryan Young

2 min read

March 5, 2021 - 2:02PM

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A new approach to educating students starting out at one Dubbo high school has given kids the chance to learn in trendy new classrooms and teachers a renewed passion for the job.

For the first time in 2021 Dubbo College South Campus has introduced what’s known as a “team teaching” structure to educate Year 7 students.

Dubbo College South Campus Year 7 students Evan Nave and Amy Quilty with teacher Aaron Taylor, showcasing a new approach to teaching. Picture: Dubbo College South Campus

The new structure means four of the school’s five Year 7 classes are taught by two teachers, with the remaining class having just 23 students and one teacher.

As part of the new structure, students are learning in spaces equipped with what the school says is state-of-the-art furniture and the latest digital technology.

Dubbo College South Campus principal Linda Macleod said the driving force behind the changes was a desire to offer Year 7 students a more seamless transition from primary to high school.

“This structure will encourage teaching and learning among staff and students to expand and grow.

“We’re focused on preparing every student for the 21st century and look forward to seeing the benefits of this powerful and innovative teaching practice,” Ms Macleod said.

An emphasis on collaboration and communication between students and their peers, along with teachers, is a key focus of the new teaching structure.

A new-look classroom set-up for Year 7 students at the school. Picture: Dubbo College South Campus

The schools says teachers will prioritise working with students on their creativity and critical reflection to provide them a more holistic education.

Year 7 teacher Aaron Taylor said the new approach had already delivered benefits.

“The collegial and collaborative nature of this team teaching context has renewed teachers’ passion for education and strengthened our commitment to engaging every student in meaningful, relevant and impressive, inspirational learning,” he said.

The changes at Dubbo College South Campus come as other public schools in Dubbo celebrate a recent announcement of more than $800,000 in extra state government funding.

Dubbo West Public School will receive the lion’s share of the new funding with $416,000 earmarked for administration and staff facility upgrades, while Dubbo South Public School is set to receive $216,000 for school hall, multipurpose centre, gym and communal space upgrades.

Orana Heights Public School will receive $150,000 for covered outdoor learning areas and walkways, while Ballimore Public School will get $30,000 for storage facilities.

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said the funding was made available through the state government’s $120 million Regional Renewal Program.

“These projects have been identified by schools as needing to be done and we’re helping to make them a reality,” he said.