ReimaginED
Conference themes and session formats
Conference themes
The topics and ideas explored at ReimaginED are organised around six overarching themes. The themes shape our programming and guide the development of conference sessions offered by our speakers. They help bring focus, coherence, and depth to collaboration and learning during the event, while promoting new ways of thinking about knowledge, learning, teaching, and leadership.
DEVELOPING ECOSYSTEMS FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION
The successful development of more future-focused models for education requires a systemic approach that nurtures innovation, experimentation, and adaptation. How might we best work together to help grow dynamic ecosystems that support transformational change in education?
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS BETWEEN SCHOOL AND THE REAL WORLD
Authentic, experiential learning provides young people with the opportunity to develop their self-understanding, and build connections with others and the places where they live. How might we co-design holistic learning experiences with students so they can meaningfully engage in developing solutions to complex, real-world challenges?
CULTIVATING CAPABILITIES FOR LIVING AND LEARNING
Young people need to develop a range of complex competencies in order to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens. How might we best foster the development of the skills and capabilities that are required to successfully navigate living and learning in today’s society?
FOSTERING AGENCY AND IDENTITY IN AN AGE OF COMPLEXITY
There is a growing acknowledgement that schools need to provide inclusive, agile and adaptive learning environments that respond to the diverse cognitive, affective, physical, and social needs of their students and staff. How do we work with students, teachers, and school leaders to help them further develop a sense of independence, interdependence, and purpose in a complex and uncertain world?
ENABLING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF, OTHERS AND SOCIETY
In a time that is distinguished by the rapid rise of mental health and anxiety issues among students and educators, we are increasingly aware of the critical importance of nurturing individual and collective wellbeing in our schools. How can we cultivate a capacity for self-development, emotional literacy, compassion, and resilience in order to better support the development of healthy individuals, communities and societies?
NURTURING REGENERATIVE APPROACHES TO EDUCATION
A living systems approach to education acknowledges that the development of knowledge, skills, understanding, and purpose are interrelated and emergent from the relationships that we have with ourselves, others, and the places where we live. How might we explore the role that education can play in building the capacity of young people to contribute to the thriving of people, places and our planet?
Conference formats
ReimaginED offers a range of programming formats that enable participants to immerse themselves in deep learning and conversation.
PROVOCATIONS
Provocations are short, compelling presentations from leading local and international thinkers, followed by small group collaboration. These sessions are designed to activate thinking, discussion and reflection. Provocations provide an invitation for participants to explore powerful ideas and possibilities for the emerging futures for education.
(40 or 60 mins, by invitation)
WORKSHOPS
Workshops are highly interactive sessions designed to immerse participants in the collaborative exploration of innovative ideas and transformative approaches to learning, teaching and leading.
(60 mins, 1 - 3 speakers)
SPOTLIGHTS
Spotlight sessions showcase leading edge practice from teachers, researchers and school leaders. They explore new approaches to learning, teaching, research, and leadership being undertaken in a range of settings, along with the challenges, achievements, and next steps for these communities and organisations.
(60 mins, 1 - 3 speakers)
MASH UP
Mash Ups connect speakers from the amazing ReimaginED community and provide them with the opportunity to share and artfully combine their interests in the co-design and delivery of an interactive workshop. The format appeals to people keen to explore new ideas, ways of thinking, and possibilities for collaboration. Contact institute@woodleigh.vic.edu.au to express your interest.
(60 mins, 2 - 4 speakers)
PERFORMANCE AND EXHIBITION
Performances and exhibitions creates spaces to explore the conference themes through the different voices and perspectives represented through the arts. These sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to engage with music, drama, and visual arts as a vehicle for reflection and deep learning.
(45 or 60 mins, 1 - 4 performers/artists)
MEET UP
Meet Ups provide an informal opportunity for participants to connect, discuss, and explore their shared interests. These sessions are led by a facilitator(s) who helps to lead and guide the dialogue around the organising topic. As a feature of the conference is the innovative community who attends, this format creates an essential space to connect with old and new colleagues, expand your networks, and delve more deeply into emerging practice, fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.
(60mins, 1 - 2 facilitators)
STORYTELLING
Storytelling sessions invite speakers to tell stories that help illustrate, enhance, and bring life to the conference themes. This format provides space to explore the role storytelling can play as a cultural practice for passing down history, sharing customs and sustaining traditions. It also recognises the important role stories can play in connecting people, nurturing the development of identity and wellbeing, and inspiring change.
(60 mins, 1 - 2 speakers. Speakers may be grouped by themes for a session, if and as required)
SOCIAL SESSIONS
The conference break times and dinner provides a chance for participants to connect, have fun, and and enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed environment.
Participants attending in groups from their school, network or organisation may also wish to take advantage of the beautiful location for each ReimaginED event to engage in socialising and sight seeing with colleagues at part of their travel.
