Last week I was fortunate enough to attend a BOSTES feedback session regarding the changes to the HSC for science. Any proposed changes to the HSC have traditionally become drawn-out affairs where everyone has an opinion and nothing good ever gets done.
These changes are different and they are not just proposed changes, they are in the process of being actioned right now. Most changes will be implemented by 2019, meaning the HSC our Year 7 and 8 kids sit will be very different to that of their older siblings.
There is a big transformation for both science and mathematics (including a new subject for HSC science), with a massive focus on enquiry based learning for the HSC. Students will focus on solving real world problems, like we already do in PBL at CCSC.
At the workshop I had to sit back for a second and think about how ahead of the curve CCSC is. The changes to the HSC are being made to cater for the 21st century workforce where creative and critical thinking will be essential skills. These two skills are being built through the CCSC PBL enquiry based learning approach and this will pay dividends for the kids when it is their turn to sit the HSC.
Chalk and talk teaching simply does not set students up for higher learning or real world occupations. CCSC is at the cutting edge and I’m excited that myself and your kids can be a part of that.
Below are some links that give a couple of different perspectives on the changes.
http://www.educatoronline.com.au/news/principals-respond-to-hsc-overhaul-220498.aspx
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/news/college-education-first-hsc-reform-in-17-years/news-story/e6a0bed7d7cc46e68a8030ee5d9d84a4
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/rouse-hill-times/nsw-students-will-need-minimum-standard-in-literacy-and-numeracy-to-achieve-hsc-from-2020/news-story/9fc66428fdd8f6a7530ce96cecefc5e6
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