Salesian College, Sunbury, VIC

"As educators, we strive to equip our students with both the knowledge and the skills required for success in today’s rapidly changing world. We believe that learning should be active, authentic and applicable to the world beyond the classroom.

To achieve this, we use a project based learning (PBL) approach in Years 7 to 9. This approach is very different from “doing projects” or simple inquiry tasks. Using the New Tech Network model of PBL, projects are purposefully scaffolded to ensure curriculum standards are properly addressed, while providing for rich, open-ended driving questions that allow for creativity and student choice. 

Community connections and replicating the adult world of work are essential elements of PBL, providing opportunities to be exposed experiences that broaden our students’ perspectives and raise their expectations of what they can achieve in their lives. In this way, we develop students who are well-prepared to contribute to our community as “active citizens and good Christians” into the future."

King’s Christian College, Reedy Creek, QLD

From Year 5, students put their academic learning into practice, working on theme-based units, initiated from a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach. They have the opportunity to explore topics in a variety of ways, using their individual interests and learning styles. The purpose of the program is to help students develop their full potential as independent learners who are prepared to be active and valuable members of society.

PBL is contextual, creative and collaborative. Students work together on meaningful projects that require critical thinking, creativity and communication in order to complete complex tasks. They will need to apply their understanding of multiple academic disciplines to solve genuine, real-life problems.

By making learning relevant to students, they see a purpose for mastering required skills and concepts.

PBL differs from conventional school project work, where learning is teacher-centred and teacher-directed. In PBL, teachers are the facilitators of learning, not the fount of knowledge. Students take on an authentic challenge and are guided through a series of activities and benchmarks towards a concluding event."

St Philip's Christian College

"St Philip's Christian College was born out of a passion to provide education that is life changing. St Philip’s school provides an environment where respect and excellence are encouraged along with a desire to see students enjoying the learning process and school life.  Their philosophy is to:

• Help students to develop independence, flexibility, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, global connection and habits of mind and heart within our 21st century Learning Framework, which are inline with the NTN model.

• Create dynamic, agile learning spaces which provide for diverse learning experiences.

• Utilise 21st century technology, with each student in years 5-11 using the Macbook as a tool for learning, and K-4 students having access to iPads and computers.

Professional collaboration and coaching is critical to improving teacher quality, and this is strengthened through their association with the University of Newcastle Teaching Research Program.

They support our students in developing confidence, knowledge, skills and faith to face the challenges of the 21st century.

St Philip’s will be implementing Project Based Learning across year 8 in 2016 with the intentions of year 8-9 in 2017, then 7-10 by 2018."

Emmanuel College, Melbourne

"Emmanuel College comprises the Years 7-12 co-educational Notre Dame Campus at Pt Cook and the Years 7-12 all-boys St Paul’s Campus at Altona North.

The College follows Marianist Tradition, where students are encouraged and supported to achieve their personal best.

Emmanuel College's aim is to help the young women and men of the College to be their best and become highly functioning, resilient adults who can think independently and make a difference in our world.   

The school's focus is on student development as a whole person, their growth in strong values, and in care and consideration for others, particularly those who need our help.

Emmanuel College formally joined the New Tech Network in 2013 starting with a year 8 implementation strategy. Today Emmanuel College is one of Melbourne’s most innovative schools who puts students at the centre of the learning through the Project Based Learning model of New Tech Network."

St joseph’s college, mildura, VIC

We aim for the education of the whole person in an inclusive Catholic community where dignity and respect for the individual complements the fulfilment of potential in all of our endeavours.

In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, our College provides opportunities for students to be empowered through:

• The development of a faith response in individuals and as a Catholic community.

• The education of the whole person – spiritually, physically, emotionally, artistically, intellectually, socially.

• Building a desire within students to be life-long learners who fully use their God-given talents.

• Experiencing a learning community, which offers a just and inclusive environment where students can find respect for diverse and passionate educational pursuits.

• The encouragement of global citizens committed to a Christ-centred vision of a united world, where social justice is a key focus in policy and practice.