Bishop Druitt College Builds Global Citizenship, Character and Future-Ready Learners in 2026

Developing Future-Ready Students Through Citizenship, Character and Global Learning at Bishop Druitt College

Giinagay,

At Bishop Druitt College (BDC), we hold a strong belief in developing a set of key attributes across our K–12 community, including citizenship, character, communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. In 2026, within a global context defined by both interconnection and uncertainty, these future-ready skills in education are more important than ever.

Our role as educators, parents and carers is to prepare young people not only for academic success, but for meaningful participation in an increasingly complex and globalised world.

Building Citizenship and Character in Education

The development of student citizenship and character education sits at the centre of our work. As our children grow and experience the world around them, we aim to nurture young people who are empathetic, inclusive, respectful and courageous—learners who are sustainability-minded and prepared to contribute positively to society.

Our future community depends on these values.

Global Learning and Intercultural Understanding in Action

Recently, our Year 8 students participated in a Zoom meeting with students from The School of Free and Caring in Ukraine. Beginning with light-hearted questions such as, “Do Australians really walk around barefoot?” or “Do you ride kangaroos to school?”, the conversation quickly developed into a meaningful exchange.

These global learning experiences in schools are as important as formal study in building respect, curiosity and intercultural understanding.

In 2026, BDC will continue to expand its international education program, welcoming educators and students from countries including Ukraine, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany and Japan. Many of our students will also experience learning abroad, strengthening their ability to think as global citizens and engage with complex issues through empathy and compassion.

Closer to home, events such as Foundation Day, NAIDOC Week, Harmony Day, ANZAC Day and our service learning programs provide ongoing opportunities to experience culture, service and belonging in action.

Developing Global Citizens Through Service and Action

These experiences help students understand a core principle of global citizenship education—that we are all connected and share a responsibility to demonstrate empathy, mutual respect, inclusivity and global stewardship.

This is clearly evident in the actions of our students.

Recently, 30 Year 12 students participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising over $17,000 for blood cancer research. In addition, our Years 6 to 8 Think Local, Care Global program is supporting a school in Ukraine while also assisting our local RSPCA.

These initiatives demonstrate that students at Bishop Druitt College are not only learning about values—they are actively living them.

The Role of Families in Character Education

Families and schools play a critical role in shaping this understanding. Together, we must support young people to be active, ethical participants in the world. Character education in schools ensures students act with integrity, courage and compassion, and that learning is always grounded in purpose.

I encourage families to continue conversations at home about values, inclusion and how we support others. These discussions help shape the citizens our young people will become.

We warmly invite you to visit Bishop Druitt College, experience our community in action, and explore the opportunities available for your child.

Simon Doyle
Principal