By Bonny Burrows
As school shift from classic classrooms to specialist learning hubs, there has been much debate about their impact on learning, however Kooweerup Secondary College students say they are reaping the benefits.
The new-style of teaching, involving the grouping of students into “hubs” within larger open-plan learning spaces, has had parents and professionals question their effectiveness since their introduction, with concerns about noise and distractions.
But Kooweerup Secondary College school captains Chris Owen and Sarah Bayliss said nothing could be further from the truth.
The Year 12s witnessed first-hand the transition from traditional learning to the new hubs two years ago.
The leaders said there was a shift in student behaviour with their introduction as learning became more interactive.
“If anything, it makes you more involved in your learning and the rest of the year level as people around you are all doing the same thing,” Chris said.
“It’s a lot more engaging and hands-on, particularly with the use of laptops and iPads.”
With their variety of seating choices, vibrant colours and the latest in technology, Sarah said the hubs were a welcoming place.
“The facilities are a lot nicer and make you want to come to school more,” Sarah said.
Assistant Principal Margaret Nicolson said while the college’s size had grown over the years, the school had maintained its sense of community.
This was partly thanks, she said, to the learning community’s teaching method, but also to the range of programs suited to varying educational needs.
Ms Nicolson said leadership was promoted through the Student Representative Council while the Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program for “gifted children” supported those with above-average academic ability to accelerate through their schooling.
Sarah said the college was a very welcoming and supportive school, no matter students’ academic ability.
“Everyone gets along well and the teachers actually care about your education and supporting you through all your years of schooling, but particularly in VCE,” Sarah said.
“It’s nice to know they actually care about your achievements and goals, whatever they may be.”
Grade 5 and 6 students and their parents who are interested in attending Kooweerup Secondary College in 2018 are invited to attend the school’s information night on 19 April at 6pm in the college hall.
