Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
Changes in the New VCE Physics Study Design
I’ve been doing some work with the new VCE Physics Study Design which is to be implemented from 2023 onwards. To help me be clear on exactly what has changed, I did a detailed comparison of the dot points for the two designs. Going from that detailed analysis, I then thought it would be interesting…
Implementing metacognitive strategies (Teacher Magazine)
Great to have our work at WSSC on metacognition in partnership with Evidence 4 Learning featured in this teacher magazine article.
Reflections on 2020
Bushfires. Pandemic. Lockdowns. Remote Learning 1.0 and 2.0. What a year it has been. Before the door closes for some rest and recovery, time now for some reflections on the experience of this year and the implications for the future. The context for this reflection is my work as Assistant Principal for Curriculum at Wodonga…
STEM outdoor learning space
A number of years ago I worked with my dedicated and passionate colleagues to conceptualise, design and bring to life an outdoor STEM learning space. A few years later it has been great to take a few moments to sit in the shade and enjoy this beautiful learning environment. Thanks to all for their efforts…
Wellbeing at the heart of learning communities (RELEARN Festival)
It was an absolutely privilege to present a Firestarter Talk at the recent LearnLife [RE]LEARN Festival. You can catch the video of it below.
Tiered Academic Support (TAS) at WSSC
The Tiered Academic Support (TAS) program developed for 2021 at Wodonga Senior Secondary College brings together myriad existing programs into a consistent framework. We have been working to draw on all available data to develop a clear picture of student needs. A key aspect of our Tiered Academic Support (TAS) program is that the tiers…
Using data and evidence to identify students at risk of disengagement (Evidence 4 Learning webinar)
I am pleased to have been one of many contributors to the Evidence for Learning 2020 Webinar Series panel discussion on use of data and evidence to tackle student disengagement. A great opportunity to reflect on and share our experiences of responding to the covid-19 pandemic. Many thanks to Danielle Toon for facilitating this panel.…
Leading Student Wellbeing (Evidence 4 Learning webinar)
It was a privilege to be part of this Evidence for Learning 2020 Webinar Series panel discussion with Dr Tanya Vaughan, Dr Katherine Dix and Dr Pauline Ho on educational leadership and student wellbeing. The slides are available here and the video is up on YouTube (and below).
Explicitly linking metacognition and literacy
The evolution of our work on literacy and meta-cognition continues at Wodonga Senior Secondary College. Today I was very proud to share with all staff our Literacy & Metacognition Framework. Behind this model sits a detailed continuum which we will use over coming years to chart and guide our journey of growth. Thanks to all who…
Lockdown Leadership: Balancing the full picture of student needs (Lessons from Lockdown)
Looking forward to presenting as part of the Educational Data Talks Lessons From Lockdown online conference on Thursday 10 September. Sharing the experience of remote learning at Wodonga Senior Secondary College. I’ll post the slides here and would welcome any comments or questions from attendees.
New STAV Website
A long time in the making, pleased to be part of creating and launching the new website of the Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV)
STAV STEM & LabTech Online Conference
Very pleased to launch the inaugural STAV STEM & LabTech Online Conference. A huge achievement by all involved to bring this innovate new event to fruition in challenging times.
Learning in Lockdown (Teacher Magazine article)
Excited to have my recent contribution published in ACER’s Teacher Magazine. https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/learning-in-lockdown-rural-schools
Webinar: Fostering Student Wellbeing
Looking forward to being on the panel at the upcoming Evidence 4 Learning webinar on Fostering Student Wellbeing. Update: Available on YouTube below and slides available in PDF format
Continuous Learning Toolkit
Great to see our continuous learning model featured in the School for Tomorrow Continuous Learning Toolkit Volume II: Leading through Crisis. The quote from me: Wodonga Senior Secondary College recognises and values the complete picture of student needs. We care deeply about all our students and work in partnership with them to ensure they all…
PEARLS: Metacognition
Reflecting on two outstanding days of professional learning on metacognition and self-regulation as part of the PEARLs project presented by Evidence 4 Learning and the Science of Learning Research Centre. The guidance report from Evidence 4 Learning is an excellent resource and we look forward to implementing at Wodonga Senior Secondary College. Greatly appreciate of…
How do heavy things fly?
STAV Physics Conference, 14 February 2020 – Session B5 How do heavy things fly – making the most of this option study Presentation Powerpoint slides Questions, Comments, Feedback – Padlet Resources Prof Pilot Videos – succint, quite simple and accurate, engaging VCAA Advice to Teachers – good examples of possible activities Vic Physics page on…
Jacaranda Physics 1
Revised edition is now published. Even better this time with my name on the front!!
Site redevelopment
A quick note that this site is under complete overhaul at the moment. Some older content may not be visible for a few weeks.
STEM in the new VCE Physics Study Design
Presented at the Vic Physics and STAV Physics Conference at Monash University on Friday February 19, 2016. Presentation slides in PDF format
Textbook has arrived!
Officially an author of a real live textbook (part thereof) that is sitting on my desk!!
STEM in the new VCE Science Study Designs
Presented at the STAV and Quantum Victoria ICT-STEM Conference on August 28, 2015. STEM in the new VCE Science Study Designs – Presentation Slides PDF Links referred to in the presentation Revised VCE Science Study Designs Audri’s Rube Goldberg Machine WSSC Rube Goldberg Machines in Year 10 Advanced Science Melbourne University Amazing Spaghetti Machine Competition Math…
VCAA VCE Physics Study Design Implementation Briefings
I had the privilege of presenting some implementation briefings for the new VCAA VCE Physics Study Design (for 2016 to 2021) during early 2015. The video is available on the VCAA Vimeo Channel.
STAV AIP Physics Conference 2015
The following is a page set aside for resources from my presentations at the STAV AIP VCE Physics Conference held at Monash University in February 2015. I will also use this page to collect useful resources that I come across from sessions that I attend. A22 – Workshop Unit 1 Physics in 2016 B14 –…
Hexaflexagon Fun
Thanks to Twitter and YouTube, I recently came to watch Vi Hart’s videos on hexaflexagons (her YouTube channel has some fascinating maths in it wrapped up in some very engaging and creative videos!). A great idea for my Year 10 Maths class. Hence the essential question for the next lesson… And some flexagation fun ensued! If you…
SchoolsTechOZ: Flipped Learning in STEM
Presentation slides Backchannel for questions/comments
SchoolsTechOZ: ICT in Maths & Science
Presentation slides Back channel for introductions, comments, questions, feedback
AIP & STAV Physics Conference: Engaging students online
On Friday 14 February 2014 I presented a session on Engaging students through online interactions with Steve Draper at the AIP/STAV Physics Conference in Melbourne. The presentation and related resources are below. Padlet wall for questions, comments and feedback Presentation Slide (PDF)
STAVCON Presentation: Flipped Learning
On Thursday 28 November 2013 I presented a session on Flipped Learning at STAVCON in Melbourne. The presentation and related resources are below. Questions and Suggestions – a backchannel to leave any questions or suggestions that you think of during the presentation (Padlet) Presentation slides Reflection – what will you try in your teaching practice…
STAV ICT-STEM Presentation: Flipped Learning
On Friday 30 August 2013 I presented a session on Flipped Learning at the STAV ICT-STEM conference. Click here for the presentation and links to related resources.
Got any book recommendations?