Academic life

At Pymble, we are committed to creating the conditions for all students to achieve their personal best through maintaining the balance of academic rigour and wellbeing support.

In 1916, educational philosopher John Dewey argued that “if we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” Aligned with this, we endeavour to seek out new opportunities for our girls to be challenged – this includes new subject offerings and Signature Learning Experiences.

In 2021, we introduced Aboriginal Studies into our Years 9 and 10 curriculum. Following on its success and interest in more diverse subject offerings, we are introducing Entertainment Industry (VET), Aboriginal Studies and Society and Culture into our Stage 6 offerings; additionally, we have designed Philosophy and Data Science electives for our Years 7 to 10 curriculum.

Our vision for learning in the Secondary School is that girls are increasingly exposed to complex phenomena and real-world projects. For example, our Geography students partner with CSIRO and Celestino, the company responsible for the development of the Sydney Science Park CBD in Western Sydney, to design solutions to authentic challenges facing developers.

Another noteworthy celebration of learning is the “Advocacy; more than a word” project developed by our PDHPE team which focused on a range of global competencies. This project sees girls inquiring into the experiences of the diverse populations that make up Australian society, propose ways that individuals and communities can be proactive in promoting social justice and support those experiencing marginalisation.

We also celebrate excellence in extended learning opportunities, such as Future Problem Solvers and the da Vinci Decathlon. Noteworthy achievements include our Year 7 da Vinci team placing 1st out of 75 teams at the state level and 2nd at the national level.

We are proud to be the Directors of Student Learning at Pymble Ladies' College and look forward to sharing other exciting stories of deep learning, purposeful partnerships, and exceptional achievement in future newsletters and publications.

"Self-efficacy and data literacy will be essential to participate actively in tomorrow’s society, not only as an employable and valuable worker but most importantly as an informed citizen."

Cedric Le Bescont

JACINTA WELLS – SOCIETY AND CULTURE

I am passionate about teaching Society and Culture, as it is an excellent precursor for further education; combining disciplines such as sychology, anthology and cultural studies. In our fast-paced, ever-changing, globalised world, Society and Culture, allows students to develop an understanding of both historical and contemporary topics. Society and Culture is highly beneficial for students as it develops empathy for diverse worldviews and cultures, critical thinking and research skills. Yet as a subject it also allows students to engage in an area of personal passion, thus stimulating lifelong learning and meaningful connections to the curriculum.

CEDRIC LE BESCONT – DATA SCIENCE

Because of the paradoxical nature of knowledge, “the more we know the more we realize the extent of our ignorance” (A.C. Grayling 2021) engaging in learning demands you to be curious, brave and well prepared. As a teacher, the question I am passionate about is how to guide and empower students to safely explore their ignorance in a rapidly changing environment? Self-efficacy and data literacy will be essential to participate actively in tomorrow’s society, not only as an employable and valuable worker but most importantly as an informed citizen.

I have designed new elective courses that will teach how to use large datasets to infer knowledge, make decisions, take actions and form opinions.

RYAN STEWART – ABORIGINAL STUDIES

Students in the Years 9 and 10 course have explored First Nations Dreaming, spirituality and identity along with ongoing Humans Rights concerns and First Nations visual arts. Our students have also commenced the preparatory work for the building of a First Nations garden, yarning circle and fire pit as part of an exciting Deep Learning project.

Pymble’s continuing commitment to Aboriginal Studies by introducing the Stage 6 course in 2022 will further enable our students and staff to develop knowledge and skills in relation to First Nations Peoples, society and culture.