THE EXPERIENTIAL UMBRELLA
Scotch Oakburn College is a school where learning extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms, where each student’s personal growth is as valued as their academic achievements.
This has always been the vision our College embraces, a holistic approach to education, known as Experiential Learning. Let’s start with a story to illustrate what this means.
Picture a student, Emma, who not only excels in her science class but also shines in the drama club, plays soccer, and volunteers at a local charity. In each of these activities, Emma is not just participating; she’s learning vital life skills like teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
This is Experiential Learning in action – learning through doing, in a variety of settings outside the traditional classroom.
Our College recognises that a student’s character, their personal attributes, are as crucial as their academic prowess. This led to the development of our Learner Attributes and the evolution of a unique Learner Profile for each student. This Profile goes beyond grades to reflect the rich tapestry of experiences that shape our students’ characters.
However, we noticed a gap. Our various co-curricular activities, such as sports, arts, and community service, were operating independently, missing out on a golden opportunity to collaborate and reinforce character learning. To bridge this gap, we’re integrating these experiences under the umbrella of Experiential Learning, coordinated by a new role, the Head of Experiential Learning. In designing the role of Head of Experiential Learning, we didn’t just rely on intuition.
We conducted extensive research, examining similar positions in independent schools nationwide. This investigation was crucial in shaping our vision for the role. It revealed a consistent theme: schools everywhere are recognising the immense value of linking various experiential activities in a meaningful and tangible manner.
This insight solidified our commitment to experiential learning, and ensured our approach was informed, robust, and tailored to the unique needs and potential of our students.
To lead this exciting initiative, we are thrilled to introduce Mr Mark Hassell as the inaugural Head of Experiential Learning. With a background as rich and diverse as the concept itself, Mark’s journey into the world of experiential learning began at university, where he studied Outdoor Education.
This passion for adventure led him to Canada on a working visa. What was planned as a year-long trip turned into an eight-year adventure, during which Mark’s experiences were nothing short of extraordinary. His diverse interests also include blacksmithing and handmaking traditional longbows and axe handles, all unique skills that speaks to his creativity and craftsmanship. Mark will work strategically with our staff across all activities.
His role is to identify and enhance the key character attributes each activity can develop. For instance, a debate club might strengthen a student’s confidence and critical thinking, while a camping trip might enhance resilience and teamwork. Mark’s life story is a vivid illustration of how diverse experiences shape our abilities and character.
His role as the Head of Experiential Learning at our College is more than a position; it’s a culmination of a lifetime of learning by doing. He embodies the spirit of our educational philosophy, inspiring our students to explore, learn, and grow in every aspect of their lives.
This holistic approach means that when Emma, our budding scientist and actor, displays leadership on the soccer field, it’s recognised and nurtured across all her activities. This interconnected learning ensures that our students don’t just grow academically but flourish as well-rounded individuals, ready to take on the world.
Our goal is clear: to provide a comprehensive Learner Profile for each student, reflecting not just what they know, but who they are and who they can become.
