The Lakes College can see what’s coming. There has been a surge of technical and social change like never before, and the College realises that education needs to transform to meet the needs of its Future Ready Graduates.
The Lakes College have been exploring the implications of megatrends that will dominate the coming decades and the impact that these megatrends will have on the future of education. Students need to be prepared for jobs that do not yet exist and industries that will evolve, change and even disappear. In some industries, technology can amplify human performance and young adults have already embraced this age of automation. 3D printing is the future of digital manufacturing and is set to become mainstream. By 2025, futurists predict driverless cars will be commonplace which will have a massive impact on the transport industry and insurance companies. With the increase of online retailing, jobs may become obsolete and retailers will need to consider their approach to attract customers. The megatrends have already commenced a wave of disruption that may provoke a redesign the entire work force.
The Lakes College recently held a Community Consultation Morning where students, parents, staff, Board members and Alumni met to explore the profile of a Lakes Learner and the impact that these megatrends will have on education. The Lakes College community were actively engaged in rich conversations, providing feedback which will assist the future direction of curriculum, pedagogy, extra- curricular and co-curricular programs at the College. The ultimate goal is to have developed a Lakes Learner profile by the end of 2022 that serves as commitment to themselves and their community. The Lakes College do not want their students to grow in a predetermined direction. Instead, students are encouraged to embrace the multitude of opportunities that are provided at the College so they can determine their own direction. Just like a tree, the College wants their students to use the foundations they have developed throughout their school years to stand upright and strong, ready to face whatever life presents them with.
The newly launched two-week Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp is an example of the College values in action. During this experience, students are asked to step into their lives with courage and confidence, to have faith in themselves and their journey while inter-dependently relying on their community for growth and nourishment. The Year 10 Camp is strategically at the start of the Senior Secondary journey, leading directly into the Year 11 Leadership Camp and setting the tone for the College’s deeply reflective Year 12 Camp where students are asked, ‘‘what is your story?’’ This trio of camps have been established so that students can realise their potential and what is possible.
Big changes have been experienced globally in the past few years due to the impacts of COVID-19, and the years ahead will be a time like no other – a time of rapid and fundamental change. Students must be prepared for what lies ahead. The Lakes College students are already well equipped for the future as they become increasingly more creative thinkers, ready to embrace and adapt to whatever faces them. They are a naturally collaborative generation who are tech savvy, connecting with others on a variety of platforms.
The Lakes College is an independent, Prep to Year 12, co-educational College, underpinned by the traditions and beliefs of the Uniting Church that recognises and celebrates the diversity of its learners, who can see and hear tomorrow coming.
For more information visit www.thelakescollege.com.au