From the Headmaster - Adapting our education for our generations

Whilst there is a need for educational transformation, another challenge is dealing with the highly conservative nature of schooling. Radical change can be threatening or frightening because it is untested, unproven and it is safer to fall back to a default position of whatever is working now will also work for us in the future.

Over the last decade the delivery of learning has evolved. This is due to new technology available and the unique characteristics of each generation. Significantly, to effectively teach, educate and lead the next generation of students, it is important to understand who they are and the world in which they have been shaped.

Today’s students are comprised of Generation Z (born 1995-2009) and Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024). Much research has been conducted to understand Generation Z. As a generation they are defined by digital, visual, mobile, social and global characteristics. They have been shaped in a time where online engagement supersedes time spent face-to-face, when the digital is increasingly replacing the physical and where global influences are often more potent than local ones.

Generation Alpha is the youngest of the current generations. With the first iPad released the same year they began being born (2010), Generation Alpha have only ever lived in a world where glass is linked to interaction and connection. Educators see Gen Alpha as being curious, smart, energetic, tech savvy and creative.

In a world that is rapidly evolving, Knox continues to stay abreast of the current trends and, as a result, positioning the school to thrive.

The learning environment at Knox will always emphasise literacy, numeracy and core subject knowledge because these are pivotal foundation stones for students. Additionally, our educational model will also equip students with the skills to navigate the future of work, promoting the capabilities of collaboration and problem solving, making and designing, critical thinking and emotional acuity.

Understanding this context, work has commenced on generating a collaborative vision from which the next five year strategic direction will emerge. Our focus will be on producing lifelong learners who are curious and eager to learn about themselves, one another and the wider world. It is essential all students acquire disciplinary knowledge; literacy and numeracy will continue to be the foundation for learning, but higher order discipline knowledge is fundamental to deep understanding and conceptual thinking skills.

Another critical aspect of the School’s future direction will involve designing learning spaces that continue to facilitate the shift from passive, classroom-based lessons towards engaging, interactive and collaborative units of work.

The current Knox landscape is already committed to teaching and learning excellence and the wellbeing of students and staff. As we look ahead, setting a clear and unambiguous sense of direction will optimise our ability to live our mission, become our vision and fulfil our educational purpose. Over the coming months I look forward to sharing details with you around the future direction of Knox Grammar School.

Mr Scott James, Headmaster

This article was first published in the June 2022 edition of The Thistle.