Momentum builds for the ACT Chapter

Our ACT Chapter moves from strength to strength, building on its 2016 success with bigger plans for 2017 and a hunt for new committee members.

As the newest Chapter of Learning Environments Australasia, 2016 was an establishment year for the ACT. Following the highly successful Australasian Conference held in Canberra in 2015, the ACT took the opportunity to establish momentum on the back of the conference. The ACT Chapter is now well established and will be pursuing further growth opportunities in 2017. Current membership includes architects, designers, facility consultants, school principals, business managers, and education administrators, professionals in ACT Government, Catholic and independent school systems as well as specialised consultants, product suppliers and manufacturers.

Highlights of 2016

The film ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ was the focal point for activity of the ACT Chapter. In keeping with the intent to provide a forum for discussion around learning space design and the role of the built environment in enhancing learner engagement; these film screenings were highly successful in stimulating that discourse.

The first screening, in partnership with Inspiring Australia, was held at The University of Canberra’s Inspire Centre with nearly 100 people in attendance.

The second screening was at Radford College and was more of a forum for discussion within the school community about the key messages contained within the film.

Plans for 2017

The ACT Chapter is looking to build strategic partnerships with key institutions and organisations that share interest in scope of Learning Environments Australasia's work. Inspiring Australia has joined the Committee in 2017 and will bring opportunities for connection with the great work they are doing in promoting engagement in STEM subject areas across ACT and Canberra region schools.

Similarly, the ACT Chapter is in conversations with the National Science and Technology Centre Questacon and with Australian Science Educators to explore opportunities for strategic connections.

The ACT Chapter is looking to continue the program of screening of Most Likely To Succeed. The first screening for 2017 will be on Wednesday 29 March at 5 PM at Questacon’s Japan Theatre.

In addition to film screenings, the ACT Chapter will be facilitating site visits to provide a context for the professional conversations that the Chapter is looking to activate and provide opportunities for attendees to view innovative design and construction of education facilities.

New members are always welcome to the ACT Chapter. Those considering joining would be very welcome to attend meetings as observers in the first instance in order to get a ‘feel’ for the Chapter, its membership and its ways of operating.

 By Tim McNevin

Chair Elect, LE ACT