In today’s rapid and ever-changing world, leading independent school Westminster recognises the importance of empowering students to lead their own classroom learning journey while connecting them to real-world experiences. It’s these foundations, coupled with quality pedagogy, community connection and new state-of-the-art campus facilities, that are central to its commitment of encouraging each individual to achieve more than they thought possible.
INNOVATION AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING
With innovation in learning at the heart of the school’s curriculum delivery, the breadth and quality of Westminster’s coeducational learning program provides countless opportunities for students to try new things and discover genuine interests. The outcome is students who graduate with exceptional skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.
A new Year 7 FUSS (The Future is Us) learning program underway at the school shines a spotlight on Westminster’s innovative approach to curriculum delivery. It encourages students to take responsible risks, develop a robust approach to problem solving while challenging their critical and creative thinking skills. With each problem focused on ‘tricky’ real-world problems, FUSS has been specially designed to give students greater agency and build resilience. Through program input from leading global authority for creativity and innovation, Charles Leadbeater, one of the projects underway enables students to develop a prototype solution to help clear waterways of rubbish, as powered by a Sphero Bolt robot they code and test in the school’s swimming pool.
“It’s amazing watching the students work together to problem solve and develop their creative thinking with a connection to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development,” says Coding and Robotics teacher, Ross Willoughby.
QUALITY PEDAGOGY
As a leading independent school, Westminster offers exceptional education evidenced in the strong academic performance of students. This is further demonstrated by the school’s commitment to, and investment in, exceptional teaching practices with many of its faculty on the journey to being accredited as Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT).
“Our teachers are dedicated to being the best they can be and have the added support of lead pedagogy coach, Angela Phillips,” says Principal Simon Shepherd.
As a result, Angela feels ongoing professional development is important for teachers, especially with rapidly developing technologies. Teachers need to be ahead of the curve in terms of how students are interacting, learning or evolving in line with the technology that is at their fingertips.
“Educational theorists expound that teachers should know their impact in order to offer the best education. There is no doubt that our teachers are aware of their impact and meaningfully strive to make it long-lasting and positive,” says Principal Shepherd.
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Westminster is an active and inclusive community that champions being kind, courageous, mindful and curious.
“We are so fortunate here at Westminster. Our engaged and supportive community is like no other, we’re so much more than a school, and that is evidenced by the meaningful connections and lifelong networks established,” adds Principal Shepherd.
With sprawling campus grounds including boarding facilities, an operating farm, indoor swimming centre, 1000 seat theatre, multiple dance studios, sporting ovals and superior sports training facilities, students have the space to learn and grow.
Offering schooling from Early Learning through to Year 12, students can seamlessly transition year to year surrounded by their peers and established networks.
The sense of connection will be extended even further with the opening of the school’s new Cultural Centre in early 2022.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
As a top South Australian school, Westminster is set apart by the visionary evolution of its facilities. This includes the recent transformation of the campus heart underway with the building of a new Cultural Centre scheduled for completion in early 2022.
Adjoining its renowned auditorium, the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, the Centre will include advanced performing arts, music and drama studios, a library with collaboration spaces, a cafe facing the playing fields and a 250-seat dining hall open to students and families.
The dining space will serve weekday lunch to all students, including boarders, while the onsite cafe will find a ready audience in parents, community groups and visitors, during performances and sporting matches.
Simon explains, “Similar to a university, students will be able to access and study from the Centre for longer periods of time. This includes having the option to book tutoring or continue studies on campus after school hours, giving working parents reassurance that their child is in good hands,”
“We want Westminster to really be a home away from home for our students and their families,” Westminster also recently opened a new Creative Arts and Digital Media Centre, which is the final piece of its three-storey, Inquiry and Innovation Hub STEAM precinct. Further stages include a new Year 12 Centre that will commence construction later this year and an outdoor social space with its own amphitheatre.
Discover the unique qualities of Westminster with a personalised tour from Early Learning to Year 12, we welcome families to come and see just how much Westminster has to offer. Through a personalised tour we can tailor your journey, sharing the areas that matter most to the needs and interests of your child.
Westminster School, 1-24 Alison Ave, Marion
(08) 8276 0276
westminster.school
