Genazzano celebrates its third year as an Innovative School

Genazzano FCJ College has been recognised again for its transformative learning and teaching as part of The Educator’s Innovative Schools list for 2021.

The annual list recognises schools in Australia who are at the cutting edge of change and innovation; and provides the opportunity to showcase the inspirational initiatives being implemented to deliver quality teaching and learning experiences.

This year, Genazzano FCJ College has been recognised for its ‘Future Skills’ programs, which focus on the development of complex competencies and capabilities that enrich students’ capacity for adaptability, interaction, personal growth and tenacity. Examples include ‘The Edge,’ a physical challenge cohort subject promoting resilience, confidence, teamwork and leadership; and ‘The Learning Blueprint’ (created by LME Global), which guides all Year 9 students through a neuroscientific understanding of the learning process, building learner confidence and agency.

Another flagship program is ‘nextGEN’ that targets practical learning through digital work-readiness courses and enterprise programs. NextGEN links with the College’s microcredential program, which was acknowledged by the 2020 Innovative Schools Award. This program promotes and recognises a range of learning experiences, enabling students to create a professional, digital folio or virtual CV, showcasing their learning experiences, competencies, qualifications and credentials.

Genazzano’s final innovation, as part of its award, is for the extension and professional learning opportunities ‘beyond’ the school curriculum. These typically have a practical experience, folio or mini-internship component where students can design their own personalised and flexible program aligned with their interests, ambitions and individual circumstances. Known as ‘Studio Beyond’, this initiative features four Centres of Excellence: Global Enterprises, Innovation and Technology, Sports Development and Creative Industries; and is positioned to promote employability and a step into the professional arena.

Principal, Mrs Loretta Wholley, shared how these latest initiatives are the result of collaboration from teachers and the students themselves.

“What I am proudest of, is it that these programs embrace student voice and culture, and reflect their interests, aspirations and creativity”, she said.

“Seeing our teachers throw themselves in to different learning technologies and methodologies, is a big win for our students. They have dived into gamification, neuroscience, design and technologies, to create unique programs and microcredential courses with flexible learning and hybrid delivery options”.

“Being a leader in designing, creating and innovating learning for this third millennium is something we are extremely proud of; and there are more courses in development, such as professional sports coaching, an introduction to medical engineering and developing philanthropic initiatives”.

Providing a diverse and innovative education, that is relative to students now but also for their future, is a key part of the College Strategic Plan; and is evidenced by these consecutive awards.

In 2020, the College was also recognised for its iLEARN Profiler, which invites a student view of strengths, challenges, classroom experience, mindset, approach to learning, metacognition, motivation and more.

This followed the accolades of 2019, where the College was acknowledged for the work of the Genazzano Institute of Learning & Brain Sciences, which aims to promote an understanding of brain function and health for improved learning and living.

The Institute has continued this important work, overseeing progressive teacher professional learning in the College’s acclaimed Science of Learning program. With this foundation in place, it is now working even closer with students and staff to design their futures at Genazzano.

The Genazzano Institute of Learning & Brain Sciences has established a position at the forefront of utilising neuroscientific research in school education to improve learning and teaching. The aim is to provide exceptional student and staff learning experiences by working with key partners to leverage advancements in the fields of neuroscience, education, psychology, environmental design, health and information technology.

Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic Day and Boarding School in Kew offering a co-educational Early Learning Centre and all-girls’ environment from Prep to Year 12. It offers students a rounded education that prepares them to become resilient, adaptable and confident women.

The Educator 5-Star Innovative Schools 202 – Special Report