COVER STORY
2O16 HOT LIST
GEOFF NEWCOMBE
ALEX BORLENGHI & ADRIAN PUCKERING
In his role, Geoff Newcombe has made an outstanding difference in supporting and representing the independent school sector in NSW. He leads his dynamic team at AISNSW, who support member schools’ efforts to achieve excellence and be professional and responsive to school needs. He also organises conferences and is an advocate for professional development, which he believes truly makes a difference to teachers. And while Newcombe represents the largest independent group of schools in Australia, a group totally diverse in their philosophies and needs, he is able to lead with unity, representing the independent school sector at top political levels.
Together, Adrian Puckering and Alex Borlenghi have influenced a number of schools through their innovative approach to the teaching of STEM in K-12. One way in which they have done so is through TIDE, which encompasses Technology, Innovation, Design and Engineering (as opposed to STEM). In TIDE classes, along with coding and the use of HeavyM (video mapping) software, the introduction of the use of augmented reality in the classroom has been a leading tool in innovation. In 2017, a Virtual and Augmented Reality Elective will be introduced at St Catherine’s, which was the first girls’ school in Australia to purchase and use the zSpace Virtual Reality machine.
CEO Association of Independent Schools NSW
Director of curriculum innovation and head of digital learning St Catherine’s School, Toorak (Vic)
FREDERICK OSMAN
Director of vocational education & RTO manager (careers education) Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill, NSW)
Frederick Osman has played an instrumental role in the implementation of Trinity initiatives aimed at broadening the curriculum to service non-ATAR, mixed-ability students who don’t wish to attend university, thus ensuring those students obtain certification that facilitates their transition to employment. The Trinity Vocational Academic Course enables students to take up school-based traineeships and still receive an ATAR, which is new to the NSW school system. All eight students who completed these traineeships last year have moved directly into employment. Additionally, the program has grown to a point where Trinity has itself become a registered training organisation. Year 11 and 12 students are offered an alternative vocational pathway, with VET Certificate ll and Certificate lll courses offered.
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MEGAN PARSONS Instructional leader Dubbo West Public School (NSW)
Megan Parsons is a highly respected member of her school community, a community she’s been part of for the past four years. The Educator is told that she works tirelessly to ensure every single student achieves the very best that they are able to. “Regardless of whether a student needs extra support or extension, she ensures that that is what occurs,” said Parsons’ nominating colleague. As part of her efforts, Parsons has taught staff to use Learning Intentions and Point of Need teaching. She is said to have played a pivotal role in ensuring that staff capacity within the school has increased, and in leading innovation in respect of student achievement.
www.educatoronline.com.au
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14/11/2016 10:39:17 AM