Why a Leading Sydney Girls School is Enabling Graduates to ‘See Around Corners’
Navigating a future focused workforce through Loreto Normanhurst’s attention to the holistic growth of students.
With a deep understanding of the profound impact of schooling on the future success of graduates, Loreto Normanhurst is committed to preparing its girls to effectively navigate their place in an ever-changing global landscape. This includes the complexities involved in the contemporary recruitment process.
A focus on future-proofing graduates is in line with the view that current industrial and standardised approaches to learning and assessment are out of step with what truly matters in a global context. Reflecting on Loreto Normanhurst’s own student learning trajectory, Director of Learning, Ms Kieryn Bateman said:
“Now more than ever we need to enable students to grow holistically, rise above the mire and to see around corners. Where there is an uncertain future, our students must be equipped with the self-confidence to boldly meet the challenges presented to them, and the complex critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions effectively.”
Ms Bateman’s view reflects observed changes to the corporate graduate recruitment climate. With job recruiters increasingly seeking to gauge and observe the soft skills of candidates rather than simply relying on pure academic qualification.
In this changed marketplace, recruitment strategies include efforts to observe candidates in social settings to showcase their emotional intelligence and communication skills. With well-rounded graduates who demonstrate engagement with community and extra-curricular pursuits celebrated.
For Loreto Normanhurst, this focus on shaping well-rounded graduates is core to the school’s mission. With a proven, award-winning approach to learning, the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM) emphasises collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, and independence to nurture students who are agile and resilient thinkers, equipped to succeed in the workforce.
“Our robust approach to student learning, ensures we provide our graduates with the holistic skills and attributes to grow and succeed. But moreover, we instil a lifelong passion for learning and shape girls who are curious, critical thinkers with a broad vision for the future,” said Ms Bateman.
Embedded within the LNSGM is the FACE Curriculum that seeks to develop students holistically across areas of faith, academic, community and extra-curricular.
Crucially, Ms Bateman states that the key to enabling graduates who are well equipped to handle the rigors of workforce recruitment and ‘see around corners’, is entrenched in teaching practice itself.
“As teachers we must model the courage and attributes that are fundamental to change. If we expect our students to do so, then we must show them the way. It is us as educators who cultivate the conditions and culture is responsive to current global needs and fosters creativity and curiosity among students,” said Ms Bateman.
Teaching staff at Loreto Normanhurst are embracing change through involvement in the global network New Pedagogies for Deep Learning. This program provides teaching staff with the opportunity to work in collaboration and consultation with the Association of Independent Schools and other educators to revitalise their practice.
Ms Bateman continues, “The New Pedagogies for Deep Learning framework strengthens our teaching team’s ability to create deep and robust learning opportunities that are real-world, authentic, and therefore engaging for students.”
“We are as much committed to propelling our staff forward as we are equipping our Loreto graduates to raise themselves above the mire and to move into the future with the ability to see around corners.”
About Loreto Normanhurst
Loreto Normanhurst is an independent catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 - 12.
It offers an award-winning model of learning, an extensive extra-curricular program, a modern faith, and a strong sense of community.
With 125 years of tradition in educating girls, the Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice
Shannon Muscolino