Vision & Values
We are ‘what we live’. The ‘hidden curriculum’ that
holds that we learn more from the way in which we are taught than from what
we are taught is alive and ever present, both within schools and their approach
to learning, and within society. Experiences both at home and at school combine
to make our children ‘what they live’ and in my view, on a world
and local stage, there are some highly dubious lessons underway in this context.
We must work together as a community if we are to inherit a world where sincere
regard and consideration for others is to be paramount. It is the aim and prime
intention of Blacheath and Thornburgh College to underwrite the ‘hidden
curriculum’ with the values of social conscience and justice for all.
The decades that we are commencing will require a diverse and lateral approach to what has been the norm. It does not require change for change sake. Rather, an openess to explore the many possibilities that are now available to the delivery of education. Technology is in many ways defining the course for educational instruction and delivery. If circumstances deem it appropriate, we are now able to move away from chronological-based progression in schools and customize, on the basis of readiness, the learning experiences for each individual. This is not to ‘lessen’ the value or importance of traditional education. Progressive education necessarily incorporates the valued elements of that which is being ‘progressed from’ and builds upon these to create opportunities that are relevant and responsive to the rapid changes occurring around us.
The teaching of fundamental academic basics in exercise of the mind should retain importance within the overall package. We are embracing a highly dynamic situation where the students of today may change careers many times during their working lives and it is beholden upon schools to create individuals who are well equipped to deal with this change. Fundamental to this development is the celebration of academic achievement and excellence. We must build solid foundations if our young people are to critically meet the challenge.
Blackheath & Thornburgh College does not advocate an obsession for making changes simply ‘because we can’. As educators we must consider carefully the nature of the education we provide to ensure that whatever is currently driving the ‘hidden curriculum’ is not in fact eroding the values that we purport to instill. It is the delivery of education that remains dynamic – the underlying need for and essence of what is taught remains unchanged.
Blackheath & Thornburgh College, like all schools is responding to the ever-changing requirements of education in ways that will make the transfer to future generations of the values and ethos of a fine school sustainable.
Brian Hewitt
Principal