Schools in 2021 – Places of Innovation, Adaptability and Change!

Over the last 12 months, we have seen a dramatic shift in the education sector, as schools have responded to the challenges of the largest pandemic in our lifetime COVID-19. It has required school leaders to be more agile and flexible, with greater vision than has ever been needed before in recent history, in order to adjust to the changing landscape. Whilst the safety and wellbeing of their communities have been a major priority, maintaining and continuing the academic programs for students, has seen schools embrace the use of technology in a more pervasive way to engage, enhance and encourage student learning. 

Schooling has changed dramatically in the 21st century. Learning, teaching and the environments in which they occur, have been focussed on adapting to the contemporary world and equipping students with the tools and skills needed to prepare for a collaborative and innovative workforce. Fortunately, for schools that have been educating students in the use of technology as a learning tool, this has meant that many students have seamlessly adapted to learning remotely. Whilst it is no substitute for a campus-based program, some schools have seen that student achievement continues at a very high level and that student engagement even increases, as a more personalised approach to learning and teaching has emerged.

Australian education has a long tradition of innovation, so it was no surprise to see our students thrive during the last twelve months, as they embraced the challenges with a positive attitude and growth mindset. It has been a journey of self-discovery during the last year, our students and teachers have been taken out of their comfort zone and challenged to think creatively. It has provided them with opportunities that have allowed them to better understand how they can make a difference in the world. This is largely a result of our teachers offering them a variety of experiences, so they can discover their passions and giving them a clear path that will pave the way towards their future in a time of uncertainty.

This strong foundation created a level of trust and respect that allowed these interactions to continue online so that students, teachers and parents could continue the partnership with each other when the educational journey shifted to our ‘Continuity of Learning Plan’ during the Movement Control Order (MCO). The concept of connectedness embodies our universal human need to belong. It represents a powerful belief – that each of us is part of an unbroken and unbreakable chain, which shares an identity and culture. This concept is at the core of creating a culture of high performance. It is also the fundamental building block for learning. If people feel safe, valued and emotionally supported, they will learn and therefore have the potential to reach their personal best. Creating a positive and healthy environment that focuses on student wellbeing and academic excellence, through a holistic approach, is crucial. Hence the frameworks behind AISM implementing Visible Learning and Mindfulness being embedded in our Australian Curriculum, were key to our students’ success.

Mr Liam King, Principal of Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)

Liam joined AISM with 30 years of teaching experience. He has been the Deputy Principal at Kingswood College in Melbourne, Principal of Stamford American International School and Deputy Principal of the Australian International School Singapore.