St Clare’s College Waverley is officially one of the most innovative schools in Australia.

The college features in The Educator’s 5 Star Innovative Schools of 2021 special report.

The report showcases schools at the forefront of change and innovation, and whose new approaches to teaching and learning are shaping the educational landscape of the future.

“This is a reward for the innovative approach we have to learning at St Clare’s” – Kerrie Mc Diarmid, Principal

The college is also a ‘Best Secondary School – Non Government’ finalist in this year’s Australian Education Awards. The winner will be announced on 3 December.

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE 

Principal Kerrie McDiarmid said the inclusion in The Educator’s 5 Star Innovative Schools of 2021 special report was affirming for the school’s staff.

“They’re very excited,” she said.

“Part of what we aim to do is respond to the needs of students and make sure that every learning experience is authentic, innovative, and really positions the students for a world beyond school.

“This award is testament to the hard work of the fantastic staff we have here at the college, and to their willingness to adapt and be creative when it comes to learning.”

PURPOSEFUL INNOVATION IS KEY 

Mrs McDiarmid said teachers’ persistence and ability to reflect has helped the college to successfully adopt new ideas.

“It’s purposeful innovation, and I think that is key,” she said

“This is not just about adopting any initiative that may come along. It’s about looking for innovation that reflects our context and supports our overall vision at the school.”

Students’ work is also reflective of this overall vision.

STUDENT SUCCESSES 

A short film Year 8 students produced for their ‘Lights, camera, social action’ topic of study is a finalist in the SF3 Kids Film Festival, a showcase of the best smartphone films around the world produced by students aged 16 and younger. 

Plus, Year 9 students Suki Waddel and Olivia Zammit were state and national winners of the Techgirls Competition after creating a fashion app with a sustainability focus.

“The ‘stewardship of creation’ lens that is so important to who we are comes through in that particular project,” Mrs McDiarmid said.

“It’s also part of why we were nominated for this award. It’s about reaching out beyond the classroom, and how we use technology with a real ethical lens to benefit others and to benefit the community.”

By: JADE RAMIREZ