Exciting New Program - The Pacific Quest Program to Inspire a New Generation of Learners
Pacific Lutheran College is excited to introduce the new Pacific Quest Program targeted at Years 6 and 7 students as they engage in the Arts and Technologies through two specialised learning programs - ArtsQuest and TechQuest: “This innovative initiative is designed to nurture creativity, independence, and confidence in our Middle College students, in line with our Four Pillars of Learning: Learning to Be, Learning Together, Learning to Learn and Learning to Know and Do, that underpin Pacific’s learning journey,” Shares Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Middle College Learning at Pacific Lutheran College. The Pacific Quest Program is focused on problem-based, experiential learning, encouraging students to see themselves as responsible and capable global citizens. This program reflects Pacific’s commitment to providing forward-thinking, dynamic education that prepares Pacific students for the future.
“A key part of the success behind developing this program has been the involvement of Nicole Dyson and the Future Anything team,” said Mrs Jo Belchamber. Renowned for their innovative approach to education, Future Anything has supported Pacific Lutheran College’s highly skilled Arts and Technologies educators to design the Pacific Quest Program. “Nicole Dyson and the Future Anything team have played a pivotal role in ensuring this program is not only aligned with the new curriculum but is also innovative in both design and delivery. This collaboration has ensured that both semester long programs – ArtsQuest and TechQuest are not only future focused, but also lead to teams of students demonstrating their unique thought processes, skill development and creative responses to learning challenges.”
ArtsQuest: Express, Create, Inspire
ArtsQuest is a transformative arts program that blends Drama, Dance, Visual Arts and Media Arts into an immersive experience encouraging self-expression, creativity and performance. Through ArtsQuest, students will develop a collaborative performing arts showcase, blending choreography, dance, visual and media arts, and contemporary technology such as augmented reality (AR). This integrated approach reflects the Australian Arts Curriculum, which recognises the interconnectedness of art forms and promotes a holistic understanding of the arts as a medium for self-expression.
“With the guidance of our specialist Arts teachers, students develop not only artistic skills but also dispositions to understand how a variety of creative expression can be used to explore personal, cultural and social contexts of their worlds.” Miss Elise Black, Head of Visual Arts at Pacific Lutheran College. The ArtsQuest places a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, key skills for intellectual growth and future creative endeavors. “The arts showcase for parents and the wider community will celebrate student achievements and further strengthen College community.”
“ArtsQuest helps students grow in self-awareness, self-expression and emotional intelligence. The program empowers students to see themselves as interdependent, creative and spiritual individuals.” Miss Elise Black.
TechQuest: Design, Innovate, Thrive
TechQuest is an inquiry-based learning experience, designed to immerse Pacific students in the exciting world of technology, design thinking and innovation. The program integrates Digital Technologies, Design Technologies, Food and Wellbeing Technologies and Engineering Principles and Systems, using contemporary pedagogies. Through TechQuest, students learn to ideate, prototype, refine, and implement solutions to real-world challenges, developing essential design skills alongside intellectual dispositions such as curiosity, perseverance and adaptability. Guided and supported by Future Anything’s expertise, the program culminates in a showcase event, with students pitching their own innovative solutions to complex local and global issues.
“TechQuest fosters self-awareness and resilience through hands-on, project-based learning. Students gain a sense of identity as innovators and problem-solvers, well-equipped for the future. They also develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and the ability to think critically and navigate complex challenges.” Mrs Nicole Schirripa, Head of Innovation & Emerging Technologies and Head of Digital Technology
Preparing Students for the Future
Pacific Lutheran College is continuing to lead the way in providing students with the tools they need to succeed, empowering them to become independent, enterprising and positively future orientated.
By embedding the arts and technologies in student-led inquiry projects, the Pacific Quest Program will inspire students to become active participants in their own learning, developing a blend of artistic, technological, and intellectual skills. Teams of specialist teachers will facilitate, as Middle College students collaborate on their problem-based learning projects in specialised learning environments traditionally reserved for Senior students. The program embodies Pacific Lutheran College’s commitment to fostering students who are not just learners but co-creators in their learning journey.