From the Editor It is exciting to be writing this editorial under the new banner of the Pymble Institute, the College’s home of research, innovation and professional learning. The launch of the ‘PI’, as the Pymble
how a nimbleness of gaze can be
Learning approach in PDHPE, Cedric
Institute has become known, took
applied within classrooms and schools,
Le Bescont’s critique of what it means
place in October 2021 with a video
and education more broadly, through
to teach Science students to think
composed of student and staff creations
their willingness to think critically and
deeply and by Kieran Dale-O’Connor’s
representing our commitment to
openly about questions in their orbits.
examination of the challenging topic
research and education. Their creations depicted lighthouses, kites, the scientist Cecilia Payne, airports and gardens; ways people come together, share ideas, grow in their understanding and drive thinking forward. The latter phase is the vision statement of the Pymble Institute!
this edition of Illuminate with articles
of how educators navigate emotional topics in English texts.
ranging from personal insights, such as
Wellbeing takes many forms and, in
Riina Hämäläinen’s reflective comparison
a school as diverse and dynamic as
of education in Finland and Australia,
Pymble, we are thankful for our staff and
Reverend Punam Bent’s discussion of
partners who are committed to furthering
girls’ education in a global context and
our knowledge of its links to teaching and
Dr Janet Dutton, Lecturer from
Sarah Turner’s exploration of music
learning. I hope you enjoy exploring the
Macquarie School of Education, was
and neuroscience. We are also pleased
journeys and stories in this edition.
our fantastic keynote speaker. Janet’s
to publish work from Professor Gin
presentation stated, “Teacher research
Malhi, a member of the College Board
Dr Sarah Loch
was once innovative practice but
and Director of the CADE Clinic at the
increasingly it is what good teachers
University of Sydney, and his PhD student
do. So, how can teachers make space
Erica Bell, whose work in the field of
for research?” A contributor to the
irritability and mood will have great
previous edition of Illuminate where
relevance for adolescent mental health.
she advocated for critical thinking and
The College is proud to be able to support
cognitive wellbeing through active and
their research. Dr Arne Rubinstein and
embodied learning (Dutton, Derrick &
the Rites of Passage team have partnered
Rushton, 2021, pp. 30-36), Janet used
with the College this year to support our
her presentation to draw our attention
Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing framework.
to ways the teacher researcher can
Arne’s article shares the core of the Rites
utilise a ‘nimbleness of gaze’ (Dutton,
of Passage approach and invites us all
2017) to support an inquiry stance.
to consider the role of transitions and
Curiosity and inquiry are core to all
4
The theme of wellbeing continues in
connections in our own lives.
forms of research, regardless of the
Research within the Pymble learning
field of study or level of formality.
context is showcased by Madeleine
The authors in this edition demonstrate
Gardiner’s experience using the Deep
Illuminate Research and Innovation | Edition 6 2021
BA, MTEACH, MEDST , PHD EDITOR
References Dutton, J., Derrick, L., & Rushton, K. (2021). Out of their seats and asking great questions: Fostering critical thinking and cognitive wellbeing through Embodied Pedagogies. Illuminate: Research and Innovation, Pymble Ladies’ College, (pp. 30-36, Ed. 5). Dutton, J., (2017). English teachers in the making: Portraits of pre-service teachers’ journeys to teaching. Unpublished thesis. University of Sydney.
