Transforming Education in the Age of Activism

As across Australia hundreds of thousands of children take to the streets and more than 2,000 businesses give employees leave to call for more action on climate change ahead of next week’s United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, it's pretty clear we're living in an age of activism. You can argue this isn't unique to our times. But have activists ever been so young? Generation Z is the first truly digital native generation. Growing up with every piece of historic knowledge carried in their pockets, a few swipes away. Is it any wonder they are the first generation to form their own opinions beyond their parents' views at such an early age? So in the times we live, how is our education system preparing students of today for an uncertain tomorrow? 

“Given the challenges we face, education doesn’t need to be reformed - it needs to be transformed.” - Sir Ken Robinson, British author and international advisor on education. This theme echoed strongly at s p a c e this year and was followed up with several Do Tanks addressing eduction. Three Do Tankers, Roy Page, Louka Parry, and Aqeel Camal will collaborate on their ideas, starting with an ask of you to get involved...

The South Australian Government has nominated 5 specialist schools to lead the development of the South Australian Entrepreneurial learning Strategy. Heathfield High School, lead by s p a c e cadet and School Principal Roy Page, is one of the 5 schools. Roy has prepared a learning program ready to be rolled out to the first group of students at the start of 2020, aiming to develop students’ mindsets and capabilities, ensuring young people are driven by passion and purpose. The program will develop skills that enable them to know how to mobilise themselves, others and resources to solve recognised problems with an entrepreneurial spirit. This will be taught through a range of broad learning experiences students will identify, develop and solve problems worth solving in their/the world.

Here is how you can help: Roy needs diverse views from experts to ensure schooling sucks far less in the future. Any new venture needs input from experts. He seeks input from those who have influence and impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem so that our students benefit from the most impactful experiences and foci across their schooling. The impact of your involvement will be that all resources and approaches are shared across all secondary schools in South Australia within the next 3-5 years.

Although still in its infancy, by May 2020 Roy will have a real-life case study of the first few months of the program. This will form the basis of several live Do Tanks focused on education transformation hosted by Roy, Louka, and Aqeel over s p a c e 2020.

Drop me a line to get in touch with Roy - [email protected]