Last week I attended the Independent Schools Educational Research Symposium. It was a great opportunity to hear how schools are continuing to contribute to the development of ongoing thinking about best practice in education.

At Meriden, staff continue to actively be involved in contributing to research. I thought I’d share a few stories of ways in which the staff at Meriden are contributing to ongoing research:

• Science teacher, Mrs Alexandra Phillips, is currently a Fellow in the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ Global Action Research Collaborative (GARC). Her classroom-based research investigates how creative teaching strategies that promote self-efficacy in STEM can influence students’ learning experiences and outcomes. The project is being undertaken through the Year 8 STEMship Enterprise elective, with findings to contribute to the international GARC research community. It was great to see this project in action in the classroom this week as the girls’ presented their capstone projects.
• Dr Ann Goeth is also contributing through research and publication. Her new book, Wild Neighbours, recently published by UNSW Press, explores Australia’s unique backyard wildlife and ecosystems. Within the School, Dr Goeth also supports students and teachers undertaking research-based learning, helping to strengthen research skills across subject areas through our Lateral Learning Program.
• Science teacher, Ms Sue Farroukh, is undertaking PhD research that explores professional learning frameworks for teachers. Her academic work has also created opportunities for wider professional contribution, including a recent invitation to present a workshop for Physics teachers at the Australian Institute of Physics Conference at the University of Sydney.
• Mrs Jenny Kemp and Mr Richard Hughes recently presented at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ Symposium in Auckland about how they are using data to inform pastoral and cocurricular approaches with students.
• Year 12 Coordinator, Mrs Jennifer Juhn, is currently undertaking Master’s research into how students experience one-on-one pastoral conversations with their House Tutors. Through this project, she will apply evidence-informed, social and emotional learning practices to effectively mentor and support students during their final year of schooling.

These projects, and more, demonstrate a culture in which Meriden teachers are demonstrating to the girls their commitment to ongoing learning and development. Through action research, postgraduate study, publication and collaboration, Meriden staff are extending their own professional learning while contributing knowledge and ideas to educational communities beyond the school. We are looking forward to hearing the staff present their research and learning from the year at our upcoming Teach Meet in Week 8.