Future Proofing
Through Innovation
Future Proofing Through Innovation
With the world rapidly evolving and changing around us, John Wollaston Anglican Community School is looking ahead to future-proof our students’ education, giving them more choice, agency over their learning and inspiring innovation for future pathways.
A new approach to senior Secondary course selection titled ‘MYpath’ is helping students tailor their learning experience, tapping into their interests and providing flexibility and design around their future pathways. From Year 11 students participate in ‘MYpath’ choosing from one of six streams of learning including an ATAR pathway, a General pathway or one of four Vocational Education and Training pathways. Students participating in ‘MYpath’ will have the opportunity to graduate with their WACE Certificate, a Certificate II in Workplace Skills and micro credentials towards their future endeavours.
Principal Anne Ford said, ‘MYpath is the School’s way of preparing our students for the future, teaching them to be agile and responsive to what is happening in the world of work and placing a focus on key skills such as problem-solving, design, collaboration, creative and critical thinking’.
In addition to ‘MYpath’ the School has expanded course offerings in the Secondary School with the introduction of new electives in STEAM, Business and Enterprise and Digital Technologies.
The Drone Pilot program for example, has generated significant interest given its application in a variety of industrial, commercial and recreational settings. Offered as a specialist subject in Year 10, students learn about the physics of flying, the components of a drone and the CASA safety regulations.
Students are given a Brushless Tiny Whoop drone to build and fly which has proven both fun and challenging at times. Dean of Teaching and Learning, Kathryn Paul said, ‘Students are making excellent progress and are now able to hover and perform basic manoeuvres. They have even managed to combat some challenging wind conditions on the John Wollaston oval’.
Flying a drone is challenging, whether as a hobbyist enjoying the views around Perth and Western Australia from above, or as a professional capturing footage in the industries of aerial surveying, photography, videography, search and rescue, and data capture. Importantly, the Drone Pilot program is giving students a taste of careers utilising drones within industry sectors such as mining, utilities, agriculture, media and aviation which all embrace the technology.
In 2022 the School will be offering the SCSA Endorsed Program, Remote Pilot Licence (REPL). This is a 12-month course for Year 11 and 12 students which will qualify them to fly drones on a commercial basis. Students are then a step from completing a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot).
The Science and Technology staff are committed to offering innovative opportunities for our students. There are more exciting initiatives to come . . .