Authentic Learning: A Glimpse into ELTHAM College

“Hello Sally. Please come in and take a seat. Thank you for applying for a part time position at Target. I have read your letter of application and your resume with interest. In this interview, I will ask you some questions and give you an opportunity to ask question at the end. Ok?

Why are you suitable for this role?

What do you know about this company?

Tell me about a time when you showed leadership.”

In Term 4, our Year 9 students completed a unit called, ‘The World of Work.’ As part of this, they looked for a job that was advertised, submitted applications, and underwent interviews. Along with industry experts, I was fortunate enough to be involved.

This is an example of authentic learning at ELTHAM College. These 15-year-olds will soon be applying for part time jobs, and we have prepared them for this real-world experience. Most of them were able to demonstrate they had customer experience because of the Coffee Shop training they began in Year 8. One student told me how he helped an elderly lady by reading the Swipers Gully Training Restaurant menu aloud to her.

And a special note to Eli in Year 8. Eli, I know you accidentally overcharged me at Swipers, but I forgive you.

Learning does not happen in isolation to real life. Academia at ELTHAM equips students with the skills they will need to be successful in whatever field they choose.

• Biology students attend a workshop at the University of Melbourne
• Geography students visit McCrae beach to collect and analyse data
• Film students initiate and run Student News Network (ECN)
• Elite athletes in our EEAP program visit St Kilda Football club and participate in training.

Our Year 9 students probably do not realise that the skills they have acquired from ‘The World of Work’ unit will be skills they will draw upon again and again for the rest of their working life. And this can be said for all subjects across the College. It is what we mean by authentic learning that is a daring adventure. We develop critical thinkers who can solve complex problems, enabling our young people to fulfill their potential.

As the year closes, we celebrate academic excellence by recognising students who have achieved outstanding results. I also want to publicly recognise and thank our exceptional teachers and support teams whose dedication and hard work is reflected in student success.

We celebrate the positive partnership between students, families and staff, knowing that this is the key to growing hearts and minds and helping our community to prosper.