Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary) award 2023

Manea Senior College, excellence in teaching and learning (secondary)

Manea Senior College is the only dedicated Year 11 and 12 purpose-built senior college in the South West.

Staff at the college are committed to providing practical, real-world learning opportunities and extra-curricular programs for its students.

Principal, Rod Rykers, says students can be contributing and impactful citizens. The goal of the college is to develop young adults who are capable and connected.

“We prepare students for life,” he said. “We are a place of learning which offers students flexible pathways based on their strengths, passions and interest.”

Manea Senior College staff were also the driving force to establish the South West Innovation Academy.

Students thrive in this forum where they make connections between curriculum learning and the ‘real world’. It empowers students to think globally and act locally by brainstorming creative solutions to community issues.

Using the ‘design thinking process’ (empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing) students test and grow their knowledge, skills and ideas while working with a mentor.  

Rod says through this, students are challenged to think outside of the box.

“This helps students understand problem-solving on a deeper level, especially through the ability to empathise,” he said.

The college also runs WA’s only school-based health and medical specialist program, offering students a pathway to vital health-related careers.

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The award acknowledges secondary schools that create outstanding learning environments to enhance student progress and achievement.

Winner

• Manea Senior College

Finalists

• Applecross Senior High School
• Ashdale Secondary College
• Western Australian College of Agriculture Cunderdin