Professional learning communities are not a product of unplanned interactions. True learning communities are willing to share information and develop each other both personally and professionally. Collaboration between staff, students, parents and the wider Scotch community is integral if we are to continue to grow and flourish. Part of this collaboration is the sharing of information through research and strategic projects. Why? Because it enables us to learn from the work of others, and recognize the contribution that everyone can make to our community. More importantly for our students it introduces them to how original thoughts can be turned into meaningful pieces of work worth sharing with others.
The concept of writing and publishing for a wider audience can range from sharing stories in our Junior School, or publishing the theory behind the Middle Years Programme Personal Projects or conducting research in the Senior School. As an IB World School we use the Learner Profile to underpin the work we do with our boys. By sharing our work we can truly reflect a community that values individuals who are inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers and communicators.
In order to facilitate a culture of sharing our work, we have launched the Education Action Research site which is part of the strategic focus of our libraries. I trust this site will provide a forum to share information with each other and provide a significant forum for both professional and personal growth.
Should anyone be interested in having a piece of work considered for placement on the site please contact Mr Bradley Tyrrell Head of Library, Information & Research Services at BJTyrrell@scotch.wa.edu.au. The site can be viewed here using your normal logon information and password.
I hope you enjoy the new site through experiencing what terrific work is done each and everyday by members of the Scotch community.
Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster
