Meriden’s Lateral Learning department focuses on deepening the learning experiences of our students, creating well-rounded young women who are ready and willing to make a positive contribution to their community with all its challenges and opportunities.
Now more than ever, universities and employers are looking for key skills and capabilities in young people that can be transferred across a range of academic disciplines, workplaces and interpersonal relationships.
Learning Links
The Coordinators of Learning Links (COLLs), under the leadership of the Dean of Lateral Learning, are each responsible for a key area of the Lateral Learning program. The Dean and the COLLs work collaboratively with staff and students to embed the Lateral Learning skills and capabilities across all aspects of the Senior School.
GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Meriden graduates are confident and articulate citizens who consider local and global issues with a genuine interest. The Year 9 Global Citizens program serves as a capstone project in the Lateral Learning skills continuum, enabling students to develop the capabilities required to identify and address complex real-world problems. Learning though service is fundamental to a Global Outlook at Meriden, and students are exposed to a range of opportunities and cocurricular groups through which they can work to improve human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
INNOVATION
Meriden students participate in STEM initiatives and innovative programs that help develop a future-focused and adaptable mindset, enabling them to become the innovators and creators of the future.
As Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel, said, “Our best future is a future that builds on technology, innovation, ideas and imagination. It is a future with STEM. And it is a future that is ours to build.” Meriden students are provided with opportunities and learning experiences that promote crosscurriculum learning and the enterprise skills of collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and perseverance. Through the use of The Foundry, students have access to cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, VR headsets and a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine that allow them to apply STEM-related skills and capabilities across a range of curriculum areas.
HIGH POTENTIAL LEARNING
Meriden’s focus on academic excellence and a growth mindset provides gifted and high potential students with the opportunity to realise their talents through flexible provisions and programs to suit their learning needs. Our programs include a rigorous and challenging curriculum with differentiated activities, Stage 5 Cambridge courses in selected subjects, opportunities to participate in self-directed Parnassus Projects that extend learning in an area of interest, and opportunities for selection into external competitions that provide enrichment beyond the curriculum.
RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING
The ability to research well is a vital skill, especially in our increasingly information-rich world. Students must be able to locate and evaluate relevant sources, pose inquiry questions, think critically and use and produce information responsibly and ethically. Furthermore, it is especially important that students become independent, curious and reflective life-long learners who can think deeply. At Meriden, these skills are developed through the explicit teaching of research skills at a stage-appropriate level and the production of Research Guides linked to assessment tasks. Meriden’s Research Fellow works collaboratively with the COLL in this area as well as the Library team, and meets with students individually to assist with specific research needs.
SPEECH
Meriden’s Speech program fosters the skills and confidence associated with oral communication both inside and outside the classroom. Students are provided with guidance to enable them to deliver clear and engaging presentations, using a variety of delivery modes, in a range of subject areas. They are also given the opportunity to speak in front of the whole school and are guided in their delivery when they lead at Assembly, Chapel, House meetings, Speech Days and other performance events. There is a wide range of public speaking clubs and competitions which encourage students to use their voice to speak up about issues that are important to them and to share their message with the broader community.
TECHNOLOGY
Meriden’s focus on technology aims to facilitate opportunities for self-directed and collaborative learning and the development of skills in digital literacy and critical inquiry. Teachers and students are supported to make the best use of online technologies and programs to further enhance the teaching and learning that take place in the classroom. Of equal importance is the ability to understand how to use digital technologies in a safe, responsible and ethical way. Students learn how to use appropriate tools that are best suited for their age and for their required purpose.
Programs and Initiatives
A variety of innovative programs and workshops take place across a range of year levels. In Year 7, these include the Research and Critical Thinking seminars, Technology workshops and the library widereading program. Additional programs include the Year 8 Communication workshops, the Year 9 Global Citizens program, the Pastoral Reading program, the Philosopher-in-Residence program, STEM Week and Creativity Week activities, as well as a program of author talks and literary workshops. The Day 11 program offers academic tutoring in a range of subject areas every second Saturday during the school term.
The Hudson Library and Research Centre along with the Foundry, a specialist learning space devoted to STEMrelated classes and activities, are also key contributors to the development of Lateral Learning skills across the Senior School. The Teacher Librarian works collaboratively with teaching staff to make visible the links between literature, subject content and cross-curricular priorities so that students’ learning is supplemented and enriched by their reading. Students are provided with encouragement and support to foster a love of reading and to nurture their skills in writing a range of different literary forms. Students have the opportunity to submit work for publication in semesterly editions of Equilibrium, Meriden’s own collection of students’ literary work. Through the Pastoral Reading program, students develop the character traits of empathy, resilience and a consideration for others and their unique circumstances as they engage with a range of issues, such as homelessness and overcoming challenges.
Cocurricular activities and competitions which fall under the banner of Lateral Learning include the Da Vinci Decathlon, Tournament of Minds, the TED-Ed Club, Speak Up! Club, a range of Public Speaking competitions, the Festival of Speech, Writing Clubs, the Library Committee, Fab Lab, the Green Team, Interact, the Philosophy Club, Ethics Olympiads and the NSW Philosothon.
LATERAL LEARNING
Skills and Capabilities
The Lateral Learning department is responsible for embedding the skills and capabilities necessary for twenty-first century learning. It is the z-axis of a Meriden education.
CREATIVITY
Thinking innovatively, exploring new and varied perspectives, seeking to create new information and understandings.
COMMUNICATION
Using the power of speech, including non-verbal techniques, to communicate effectively with a range of audiences and using a range of presentation tools.
COLLABORATION
Working interdependently and learning with and from others and developing skills in teamwork, active listening and collective decision-making.
RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING
Developing the ability to research well, locate and select relevant and varied sources of information, critically evaluate arguments, make connections and ask inquiry questions.
DIGITAL LITERACY
Choosing the right digital tool for the right purpose and understanding how to use technology in a safe, organised, responsible and ethical manner.
INNOVATION
Using the principles of Design Thinking to identify and define problems, evaluate them ethically, ideate and prototype solutions in real-world, authentic contexts.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Developing well-informed, thoughtful and proactive leaders who demonstrate perseverance, resilience, consideration and empathy and who seek to serve others.
FUTURES LITERACY
Developing the necessary skills, competencies and mindset to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing future.
