Deeper Learning Days

Every two weeks the students of Santa Sabina’s Middle and Senior Years enjoy in-depth, immersive activities to augment their learning and animate their College experience. Some of the activities have been part of Santa Sabina life for decades, but have evolved as part of Deeper Learning Days to include new teaching methods and subject information. Other programs are new to the mix. All involve challenges, innovation and inspiration as well as a break from the every day. This spectacular diversity of learning opportunities engages the students and immerses them in other cultures and places, often unlocking new interests or even determining their future careers. The experiences happen off-site at full-day excursions as well as on-campus, with visiting experts.

As Angela Thomas, Head of Teaching and Learning, explains:

Santa Sabina developed our Deeper Learning Day timetable initiative in 2016 where we offer an alternate learning program on Friday Week A with whole year groups. Deeper Learning Days are designed to explore new pedagogies which enhance student learning and maximise opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom in either disciplinary or interdisciplinary ways. Throughout the year there are event days, excursions, community days, passion projects, student conferences, student exhibitions of learning and other deeper learning experiences.

Friday 10 August 2018 is a great example of taking learning beyond the classroom. Heading off-campus were Year 7 History students who visited Macquarie University’s Museum of Ancient Cultures, Year 7 and Year 8 Geography students who explored the Blue Mountains, investigating mountain ecosystems to enhance their study of landforms and landscapes and Year 9 who were challenged by the Refugee in my Neighbourhood experience at the Auburn Community Centre.

On campus, Year 8 History students immersed themselves in Medieval culture and times in our Medieval Day and Year 10 experienced a day of action in our annual STEAM conference led by visiting academics and inspiring ex-students. Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics workshops provided real-life experience in problem-solving and creativity.

Hear what the students had to say about some of their experiences this Deeper Learning Day: