Liverpool Boys High School will introduce new system based on student passions and choices
A Liverpool school is changing the face of education, with a new model to be introduced from 2020 that will see traditional year groups dropped so students can shape their own learning.
Liverpool
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Students starting at Liverpool Boys High School from next year will no longer be placed in traditional year groups, with the school moving towards an innovative new model that centres on student choice and passion.
Principal Michael Saxon said the school had already transitioned to a ‘project-based learning’ approach over the past four years, which aimed to increase student engagement by equipping them with the skills to solve real-world problems.
The changes will come into effect next year for new Year 7 students, with the 2020 cohort the first to experience the system overhaul.
The student-centred approach will apply until students reach Year 11, when they begin preparing for the HSC.
For existing students, the traditional system will remain in place.
From 2020, new enrolments will undertake a ‘fundamentals’ year focusing on literacy and numeracy skills.
They will also begin to develop skills such as creativity and collaboration — “21st century learning skills” to help create a “future-focused workforce”, Mr Saxon said.
After the ‘fundamentals’ year, students will be given the opportunity to choose their own courses and shape their own learning journey.
But Mr Saxon stressed no student would be left behind when it came to essential skills.
“Instead of saying every kids needs this curriculum and you’re not allowed to vary it — which is the current system — we’re saying you get to choose your own curriculum and we’re going to look at what you choose and help you choose,” he said.
“What we’re looking at doing is to really change the education system from one that’s a lockstep. You know, you move through school because you simply get older, you do work because the syllabus says you have to, you end up going through this funnel that’s called the HSC, we rank everybody according to a number.
“The whole premise is about personalising the journey and that we treat every student as an individual.
“To make that happen, you’ve got to change structures.”
Mr Saxon said each student will receive one-on-one mentoring and parents would also be involved in the personal interventions.
“It’s all about mentoring the kids the whole way through. It’s about tracking the kids and making sure we know how they’re growing … it’s about giving them real choice so they actually choose their own learning path.
“We have this crazy system in schools where we control absolutely every step of the way … and then we expect them to make good decisions in their life. We give no ability to choose anything.”
The school has been working closely with the NSW Education Department and NSW Education Standards Authority to develop the new model, as well as looking at examples of progressive schools such as Templestowe College in Victoria.
The transition comes after years of preparation and builds on the work of other educators over centuries, Mr Saxon said.
“By doing this, we’re not breaking any rules, but we’re interpreting them differently. It took a fresh mindset to read policies and procedures.”
He believes the model will be cost-neutral, requiring the same level of resourcing as a traditional school.
“It’s going to be a really exciting journey for kids where they get, with heavy guidance, the choice to take their own learning journey.”