The New Now – An Exciting Future

On the 30th of March, the NSW Chapter LEA delegates were welcomed into the Macarthur Anglican School senior campus located in Cobbity. Seated in the adaptive and multipurpose space of auditorium which overlooks the school's expansive grounds onto the Cumberland Plains landscape beyond, delegates were welcomed to country and the school by the principal, David Nockles. He provided a snapshot summary of the school’s history and identity before the keynote speaker, Michael McQueen spoke. 

Michael presented ‘Thinking about the future of education,’ which set to challenge the audience to consider the progression of learning and what the function of education has to be to enable students to be prepared for the jobs and industries that are undergoing technological evolution with the development of AI resources. Topics of Tide/Wave were unpacked by McQueen to describe the reflection of larger evolving change on best practice learning design, rather than reactive responses to trends that are unlikely to mirror the rhythm and pace of the community. The keynote melded a retrospective review with a future vision on education, highlighting the need to embrace the power of fresh eyes and use of judgment.     

Following the keynote, Mayoh architects outlined the intent behind the design of the Warren Integrated Studies Hub, which is the first in a series of upcoming projects on the campus and stands to exemplify the school’s pedagogical direction. The facility incorporates the senior school’s science, design, technology, and agricultural spaces, adjacent to the Beavis Mathematics Rooms and Visual Art Studios. The building sits on the edge of the existing school buildings and emerges out into the broader landscape, in turn creating both a unique internalised landscape setting as well as vistas to the wider site. 

Whilst the overall design of the building enables cross-disciplinary enquiry supported by a co-located staff area, each space is also well equipped for the specialist subject matter needs. The students' connection with the building is evidenced by art installations throughout the courtyard and the variety of projects being developed across the different learning areas.

In the spirit of showcasing and celebrating excellence: The 2022 NSW Chapter awards were presented by the NSW Chair, Jo Simmons. Congratulations to all the LEA NSW Chapter award recipients. 

Article by: Christine Looyschelder