As of this afternoon, our Year 12 students have reached the halfway mark of their exam period. I am sure that each student has entered the exam rooms with a mixture of anticipation and quiet confidence, due to the significant preparation and effort they have put in.

The Year 12 exam period is often recognised as the end of a learning journey, but with our steadfast belief in lifelong learning, the question now is ‘where will this knowledge take them?’

Some girls may go on to complete further exams, research projects and written assignments. Others will learn hands-on skills which will be developed through deliberate practice. As they build a new weekly rhythm, there are languages, instruments, hobbies and sports they may choose to explore. Beyond knowledge and skills, there are many capabilities and dispositions that our girls will also continue to grow in their everyday lives.

With an abundance of learning still to come after school, we find great joy in hearing stories of our old scholars and the path their learning has taken them.

We received wonderful news late last week that Bridget Smart (2017) has been named as South Australia’s 2023 Rhodes Scholar-elect. This is an incredibly prestigious scholarship opportunity which will enable Bridget to travel to, and study at, the University of Oxford.

Bridget is currently writing her thesis for her Master of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Adelaide, which focuses on ‘building a better understanding of online social networks, and the mechanisms behind malicious behaviour including fake news and misinformation’. She will extend this knowledge by studying a Doctor of Philosophy during her time in Oxford. Bridget is an excellent example of a Wilderness girl who continues to be true and courageous in her learning by asking what she can learn next.

This model of thinking is also demonstrated by our staff, who are supported to pursue their own educational ambitions. Through the Catherine Ye Fellowship, we provide exceptional opportunities to Wilderness’ outstanding teaching staff to complete research/study projects (outside of the regular Professional Learning programme which we run at the School).

Two of our current staff members who are recipients of the Catherine Ye Fellowship are Mrs Melissa Foster and Mr Shane Hill.

Mrs Melissa Foster is completing a Master of Education (Reading and Literacy) through Torrens University. Not only is this study beneficial to Melissa’s individual development, but it also complements the work that the Junior School is currently doing to review its literacy practices. As one of our Early Years teachers, she found that one of the most rewarding parts of the role was being part of a child’s literacy journey; combined with her own special interest in literacy, this sparked her decision to apply for the Fellowship.

“There have been such changes in education in recent years and this has impacted upon the way we teach literacy, especially when we consider social and technological changes,” she says. “This course has helped me consider how to keep the teaching of literacy relevant for today's young learners.”

Mr Shane Hill is completing a Masters of Instructional Leadership at The University of Melbourne. Through his study, he is seeking to learn how we can assist teachers in using data to inform their teaching and learning practices. In turn, he hopes to enhance students’ cross-curricular opportunities and learning, so that students can make the most of the skills they learn in one subject and transfer their understanding in novel contexts.

“The benefit will come from building skills and knowledge to enhance effective teaching and learning that contributes to greater student achievement,” he says. “I hope to have a positive influence on teachers through the use of evidence-based approaches to the leadership of teaching and learning.”

It is gratifying to see the ambitions of our staff members, not only for their own professional growth, but also for the enhancement of the School, and most importantly for the benefit of our girls.

Our community is at its best when we are inspiring one another to continue to learn and grow together.