Inspiring the Global Teen Brain
Action research at Kirwan State High School, Townsville
As a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), Kirwan State High is committed to developing its students as citizens of the world.
In 2017, the school introduced its Global Leadership Academy for aspirational and inquisitive students in Year 7. Throughout Years 7–10, participating students will undertake extensive leadership training in cross-cultural skills, understanding international issues, and socially conscious leadership for positive change, preparing them to be young leaders of tomorrow.
A modified version of the Human Technologies Curriculum is one of six compulsory core subjects delivered through the academy. Developed by the International College of Hong Kong, this subject offers students a toolkit for becoming better human beings in an ever-changing world.
Action Research Project – Human Technologies
This action research project evaluated the impact on student learning of an explicit global perspective approach to the Year 8 Term 2 Human Technologies Curriculum.
Project objectives
An explicit global perspective approach to the Human Technologies Curriculum will support Year 8 students participating in the Global Leadership Academy to:
- better understand the developmental challenges of adolescence in the context of teenagers globally
- develop an appreciation of strategies that assist with effective decision-making to meet the challenges of adolescence and promote civic-mindedness.
Lead teacher
The project is co-led by Karen Andersen, Head of Department, Teaching and Learning, and Joanne Thomson, Pedagogical Coach. For Karen and Joanne, collaborating with the GLC is an opportunity to bring fresh, globally engaged approaches and resources to the evolving Human Technologies Curriculum.
Project evaluation
The benefits of participating in the project included being able to share ideas with the GLC and gain feedback around our thinking and resource development for the embedding of global perspectives.. The other obvious aspect is that it really foregrounded for us that the purpose of the unit had now changed slightly, and as such the ideas around global citizenship and empowerment became a ‘driver’’ for our learning experience and resource development. (Joanne Thomson, Lead Teacher)
About Kirwan State High School, Townsville
Kirwan State High School, located in Townsville, North Queensland, is a large, diverse school with more than 2000 students. With a focus on preparing students as global citizens, the school’s curriculum is infused with the concepts of international mindedness and intercultural understanding.
‘We are “A School for Everybody” and we celebrate our strong tradition of inclusivity and diversity.’
– Kirwan State High School
Webinar – post action research reflections
Listen to Jo in conversation with Alisa Cleary as she discusses the impact of the action research project during a webinar presentation.
Global Citizenship Ed: Action Research 2 – Kirwan State High School
