Over the past two years, our teachers at Bishop Druitt College have been engaged in professional learning focused on Design for Deep Learning (DDL). This has been an exciting and transformative journey that is shaping how learning looks, feels, and comes to life across our College. From programs and daily lessons to special events and assessment tasks, teachers have been thoughtfully redesigning learning experiences to create richer, more meaningful educational opportunities for our students.
What Is Design for Deep Learning?
Design for Deep Learning is a framework that focuses on empowering students with the skills, competencies, and mindsets they will need not only for school, but for life. It encourages teachers to design learning that is engaging, challenging, and connected to the real world.
At its core, DDL strengthens four key elements of teaching and learning:
1. Pedagogical Practices
Teachers are using evidence-based strategies that promote curiosity, exploration, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking. Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and apply their knowledge in authentic ways.
2. Learning Partnerships
Learning is no longer something students do alone. Teachers are intentionally building strong partnerships between students, teachers, peers, and the wider community. Students collaborate more, take greater ownership of their learning, and develop confidence through shared problem-solving.
3. Learning Environments
Classrooms are designed to be flexible, supportive, and dynamic. Students are provided with spaces that encourage creativity, teamwork, independence, and reflection.
4. Digital Technologies
Teachers are embedding purposeful and creative use of digital tools into learning. Technology supports students to deepen understanding, communicate ideas, explore real-world problems, and engage with content in innovative ways.
These pillars work together to enrich the learning experience and help students develop the capabilities needed in an ever-changing world.
The 6Cs: Skills for School, Work and Life
A key strength of Deep Learning is its focus on building six global competencies known as the 6Cs:
Character
Citizenship
Collaboration
Communication
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Teachers across the College are beginning to measure student growth in these areas. This means that success is not just about what students know, but who they are becoming—resilient thinkers, problem-solvers, collaborators, and compassionate young people prepared to thrive beyond the classroom.
Celebrating Our Work: The 2025 DDL Showcase
Last week, we held our annual Deep Learning Showcase. This event brought together teachers from across the College, members of the College Council, and several of our student leaders. Every teacher had the opportunity to share how they have been deepening learning for students and embedding the principles of DDL into their programs.
We were honoured to have Kylie Cameron, Chair of the Board, attend the event. She shared:
“It was a pleasure to attend the DDL presentation and witness the amazing work our teachers are doing for our students. Seeing examples of students’ work and hearing how DDL enhances their learning reinforces BDC's vision of delivering a premium educational experience.”
We were also delighted to welcome three of our Year 12 leaders, Finn Toovey, Lilli Cruwys and Lauren Blair who brought a powerful student voice to the evening.
From the perspective of our student leaders:
“It was really interesting to see the 6C’s implemented across all subjects and events. One of my favourite examples was when they introduced a topic or assessment type that isn’t typically used in that subject area. Eg: Film making in a PDHPE class, where they harnessed the power of creativity to learn and reteach the content in a different way.” Lauren Blair.
"From what I observed at the presentation, DDL has noticeably improved education at BDC, giving both students and teachers more room to be creative in how they teach and learn. What stood out to me the most was the development of assessment tasks to create enriching, experiential learning opportunities that actively engage students." Lilli Cruwys
"Attending the DDL Presentation really opened my eyes to how applying the 6Cs to the classroom can provide students with unique learning experiences. Through implementing new technologies and assigning creative tasks with real-world learning outcomes, I think it can definitely improve the ways students are taught and assessed." Finn Toovey
Their reflections reminded us why this work matters: it is shaping the next generation of capable, confident and compassionate young people.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of the dedication, creativity, and professionalism of our staff. Their commitment to DDL is transforming our classrooms and enriching the educational journey for every student. The growth from last year to this year has been remarkable, with teachers now tracking student progress in the 6C competencies and purposefully teaching real-life skills that students will carry with them into the future.
As we continue this journey, we look forward to working together, students, families, teachers and our wider community to ensure our young people are empowered with the skills they need to endure, rise and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Christabel Martin
Director of Learning and Teacher
At Bishop Druitt College, we are always looking ahead to ensure our students experience the very best in learning. Across our Primary School, teachers have been engaging in professional learning to prepare for the implementation of the new NSW Curriculum in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), and Creative Arts (CAPA) all of which will be fully introduced by 2027.
Last term, several staff members participated in specialised professional learning to deepen their understanding of the new curriculum changes. These teachers then shared their insights with colleagues to help upskill our teaching teams, ensuring that every child at BDC benefits from contemporary and evidence-informed practice.
With only four weeks into the term, our Year 6 students have already taken part in a Surf Safety Day and our Year 3 students have enjoyed an Outdoor Education Camp. These experiences provide a perfect opportunity to highlight how such activities connect with one of the key focus areas of the new Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. The updated curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. Some of the key changes include:
- A stronger focus on student wellbeing and understanding personal identity.
- Greater emphasis on developing movement skills through enjoyable, practical, and inclusive physical activity.
- Clearer learning progression across stages, helping students build confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.
- A holistic approach that integrates mental, physical, emotional, and social health, helping students develop self-awareness, empathy, and healthy relationships.
These updates mean that your child’s learning will be more connected, relevant, and engaging focusing on both skill development and the attitudes that underpin lifelong wellbeing.
We’ve already seen these ideas come to life through some incredible real-world learning experiences this term!
Our Year 3 students recently took part in an unforgettable camp at Yarra Adventure Park. From the Waterslide and flying fox to bushwalking and a digital scavenger hunt, every challenge encouraged students to step outside their comfort zone, build teamwork, and practise courage and resilience. These experiences reflect the new PDHPE focus on developing confidence, physical skills, and positive social interactions in a fun, authentic context.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 cohort enjoyed perfect weather for their Surf Safety Day, diving into a mix of water and sand activities. Students took part in tube rescues, board rescues, and treading water before swimming back to shore, building their confidence and surf safety skills. On the sand, they competed in flags, beach soccer, and cricket and even got creative with sandcastle building, transforming some creations into mermaids and burying others for a laugh. Grouped in their houses, students displayed excellent behaviour, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the day. Aligning beautifully with the new PDHPE emphasis on active lifestyles, safety awareness, and collaborative learning in outdoor environments, the day concluded with some light-hearted water play and a few final sandcastles. A wonderful experience that was both well planned and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
These experiences highlight how PDHPE learning extends far beyond the classroom, building skills that empower students to be confident, capable, and connected.
Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to explore the new NSW Curriculum and share how these exciting changes are enriching learning experiences for our students across all key areas.
Christabel Martin
Director of Teaching & Learning
The last few weeks of the year are very busy and challenging for library staff, with thousands of textbooks being returned to our shelves, so they can be redistributed to new year cohorts in term 1 2026. A big shout-out to Mr Walker for the many hours of effort that goes into ensuring our essential student texts are gathered, and ready for the next year.
‘Tis the Season!
The traditional tree and book display are featured again in the iHub this year along with a suitably technology-driven effort from some of our wonderful colleagues across the room! The iHub IT team have embraced the Christmas spirit with their own special decorative talents, with credit going to Mr Collopy’s wonderful display of 3D-printed items on display.
Even Mr McMillan has some festive flashing lights coming from his office!
Welcoming Year 6
In preparation for our 2026 intake of Year 7 students, we would like to remind relevant readers to please look at the IT Department’s information on BYOD policy (Bring Your Own Device). This can be found on the BDC iHub and Library webpage (scroll towards the bottom). The student computer specifications form is also available to view. There will be a library orientation session for each current year 6 class, in a rotation with other activities during periods 3 and 4 on Friday 28th of November. New students will also receive a session in term 1.
End-of-Year
A gentle reminder to please look in lockers, and at home for any textbooks that your teachers have said are able to be returned to the library before the end of term. The iHub teams from Library and IT would also like to extend our best wishes for the Christmas break. Keep safe, enjoy some special family time if you can, and don’t forget to rest, and read a good book whenever possible!
Celebrating ARTEXPRESS Success: Ella Nicholson and Indiana Bell
We are immensely proud to announce that Ella Nicholson and Indiana Bell have been nominated for consideration in ARTEXPRESS one of the most prestigious platforms for emerging young artists in New South Wales. ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition that presents a curated selection of exemplary Bodies of Work produced by students undertaking the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Visual Arts course.Celebrating Louis Hayton and Molly Williams HSC Body Of Works At Yarilla.
We are delighted to announce that Louis Hayton and Molly Williams have been selected for inclusion in Yearbook ’25: Visual Art Students from the Coffs Coast, an exhibition that showcases a curated selection of the most outstanding HSC Visual Arts Bodies of Work from across the region. Their inclusion recognises not only their exceptional artistic talent but also the creativity, curiosity and discipline they have demonstrated throughout their Visual Arts studies.
Louis’s work has been celebrated for its refined draftsmanship, conceptual depth and sensitive exploration of a personal environment. His careful observation and sophisticated handling of detail reveal a mature and thoughtful visual voice.
Molly’s inclusion acknowledges her highly skilled printmaking practice, expressive technical control and nuanced integration of concept and material. Her work demonstrates a level of refinement and ambition that positions her as an emerging young artist of much potential.
Yearbook ’25 highlights the diversity of expressive forms undertaken by students—from drawing and painting to time-based forms and contemporary mixed media. The exhibition offers audiences a rare insight into the concerns, ideas and perspectives of young people on the Coffs Coast and we are proud that Louis and Molly will represent our college within this showcase.
Their success is also a reflection of the long-standing excellence of our Visual Arts faculty, whose sustained commitment to high expectations, expert guidance and creative innovation has led to outstanding HSC achievements over many years. The continued recognition of our students at regional and state levels is a testament to this strong culture of artistic achievement.
We congratulate Louis and Molly on this exceptional accomplishment and look forward to celebrating their success at the exhibition.
Teena Goodman
Head Of Faculty Visual Arts
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