Learning Approach | Bethany Catholic College Hurstville

By connecting to the real world of students’ lives, authentic learning enables students to become lifelong learners who contribute to society and the wider world as active and discerning citizens. Authentic learning is central to our work as Catholic educators because it promotes the continual growth and wellbeing of the whole person — spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.

Bethany College Hurstville is a place where teachers and students work together to be:

Self-directed Learners

Where learning is personalised to empower students to take charge of their own learning and become lifelong learners.
Where students take initiative and responsibility for their own learning.
Where students are self-reflective and engage with feedback to set their learning goals, defining what their learning needs and interests are.

Engaged Learners

Where students participate in authentic and meaningful learning experiences.
Where the curriculum is relevant to our students; the diversity of their needs, interests, ability levels and preferred learning styles.
Where students natural curiosities are stimulated and they are able to articulate their own learning interests and learning needs.
Where technology is used discerningly in a manner best suited to the educational setting.

Critical Learners

Where the relevance of our curriculum is justified through real world, authentic learning experiences.
Where students are encouraged to engage with their world in a critical and constructive way.
Where critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication are promoted and valued.

Creative Learners

Where students build their capacity to experiment, invent, innovate and find solutions to real-world problems.
Where students have the opportunity to explore and develop possibilities, challenge assumptions and create and express knowledge.
Where students are encouraged to be self-confident, develop independence of mind, and the capacity to think for oneself in a respecting and trusting environment.

Collaborative Learners

Where learning is social, allowing students to explore the ideas of others in order to deepen their own understanding and promote critical thinking.
Where there is a focus on student-centered learning and the development of lifelong learning skills like discussing and negotiating, higher-order thinking, problem solving and communication.
Where professional relationships among staff and students fosters an environment where students are free to take risks and negotiate their own learning.