Students from Tenison Woods College have recently returned from the inaugural ‘Exploring Identities and Futures’ Pilot Program held in Adelaide.
The program is a new initiative provided by SACE (The South Australian Certificate of Education).
The initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to tailor their experience to meet their needs and co-construct their week based on the key principles of the Catholic Education South Australia Living, Learning, Leading Framework.
The program provided the opportunity for students to entirely plan their experience, including their travel method, departure date and accommodation options as well as daily experiences and tours around Adelaide.
The intention behind the Exploring Identities and Futures program was established to assist students in recognising their individual strengths and see the purpose and value of learning is much more than knowledge and grades.
Through the experience students explored identity and belonging, developed agency, pursued and developed an area of interest that matters to them.
Tenison Woods College Learning Director Scott Dickson was responsible for implementing the program at the college and ensuring students were well supported, giving them ownership over their week and the tools they needed for success.
“The experience put the students at the centre of the decision making regarding both their week and their future, using their agency,” Mr Dickson said.
The experience provided the opportunity to visit further education providers, tour universities, explore Adelaide using public transport and visit residential areas within the city,” he said.
“The first experience has provided a great insight for our students currently involved in the Exploring Identities and Futures Pilot.
The second experience will occur later in the year and will provide additional trade and further education opportunities.
We will review the inaugural experience with students and staff and sharpen the intent and the process.
“One of the highlights was the dinner at Aquinas College. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience what life in a residential college may be like, the comments from students regarding this event were very positive,” Mr Dickson said.
“Each experience focused on a different aspect of Catholic Education South Australia’s ‘Living Learning Leading Framework’, and this was very evident when students reflected on each experience.
“Expanding on the framework and providing a greater opportunity for students to develop agency through service to others are two areas that we are keen to explore further in the future.”
Year 10 Student Mason Bentley enjoyed the experience.
“This was an experience like no other,” he said.
“It was free rein to choose what you wanted to get out of it and enjoy the things that interest you.
“If you were interested in going to university, you could get the choice to experience it.
“I picked up many organisational skills and learnt a lot about the real world in terms of looking after yourself and paying your way, buying food – which I found out, is expensive!
“The highlight for me was Mary Poppins and the kayaking, these were unique and rare opportunities.
“Mary Poppins was such a great environment and atmosphere.
“The kayaking was great to be amongst nature and spend time with friends in the outdoors.”
Principal David Mezinec said it was an innovative program inspired by staff for students, which built on the 9SHINE challenge, giving students not only a wonderful orienting experience for their future, but also an understanding of the agency, which is needed for success in life.
“I am extremely proud of the way of which students applied themselves to the program and the outcomes they achieved, which will stand them in good stead of the next stage,” he said.
A second group of Year 10 students will participate in the program later in the year.
These students are very much looking forward to their experience, particularly after following the journeys of their classmates who have now completed the program.
