What a week we had celebrating ‘Like Minds’ as part of Gifted Awareness Week 2022! Over the course of the week we were able to take time to reflect on our QAHS environment and the roles we all play in educating one another and lifting each other up to be the best versions of ourselves.
Professor Jeffery Brand, Professor in Communication and Media and Associate Dean - Learning & Teaching at Bond University, spoke at our ‘Cultures of learning’ assembly exploring with students the Diffusion of innovations theory. He highlighted to students the role they play in creating and sharing new ideas while working with like minded individuals, but also the importance of working with others who may differ in their views. Professor Brand shared examples of innovative companies that harness great thinkers and challenge them to work with people who might think differently in order to solve problems. At QAHS we know the importance of finding an environment that supports learners’ thinking and skill development, and like the Diffusion of innovations theory, we encourage students to challenge themselves, their peers, their teachers and their community to share ideas that will hopefully lead to a better world.
Throughout the week we celebrated the role QAHS staff play in developing a nurturing environment for students to thrive in. The IB CORE was emphasised during lunchtime as we took Bollywood dancing, Knitting for Charity, QAHS Hide’N’Seek rock painting, Bleach* festival and Community garden to the pathways of our school. To end the week of celebrations on a high note, our Health and Wellbeing committee organised a joyous picnic in the Greenheart, accompanied by DJ Tristan, the ‘Chat’ mat and the ever so popular ‘Fairy Bread’ stall.
In a week that we designed to bring awareness to school environments that design learning for Gifted and Talented, and Highly Capable learners, QAHS was able to bring together our community and genuinely celebrate a school environment that fosters learning amongst like minds.
Tammie Gilbert
HOD Contemporary Teaching and Learning