As we look ahead to the future, one thing is clear: technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the Australian job market at an unprecedented pace.
Automation, machine learning, and digital innovation are transforming industries, from healthcare and mining to manufacturing and the arts. While this brings exciting opportunities, it also presents a challenge: how do we prepare our students to be the masters of their own destiny and thrive in a rapidly changing world?
At PCACS, we have taken proactive steps to ensure our students are not just consumers of technology, but confident creators and critical thinkers.
The curriculum for all students in Year 7 and 8 includes the TIDES programme (Technology, Innovation, Design, Enterprise, Sustainability). The students engage in digital training, entrepreneurship national competitions, 3D design and printing projects and real world innovation challenges in fields as diverse as water scarcity and health care. In Year 9 and 10 the TIDES programme evolves into a specialist Robotics elective. In 2024 PCACS sent teams to the National Robotics Championships in Sydney.
The Quest programme in the Junior School seeks to develop critical and creative thinking skills in students from PP to Year 6. Students participate in multi age groups to tackle complex problems using the design process, culminating in a presentation of their thinking and reasoning. Project cycles include STEM, English and HASS, capturing students with different strengths and stretching them to think flexibly to find solutions. The existing Senior School Voyager programme will adopt a similar approach in 2026.
AngliSchools has also finalised the Generative AI for learning in School policy. This policy provides clear guidance for our teachers about how to effectively harness the power of AI within the learning and teaching programme.
One of our most important vocational programmes is linked to our membership of the Kwinana Industries Council (KIC) Education partnership. The KIC provide our Year 10 students with outstanding career preparation programmes and then offer in demand industry training certificates in Year 11 and 12. Many of our graduates go on to high quality technical apprenticeship and traineeship programmes with the major employers along the Western Trade Coast.
Beyond technical skills, we are doubling down on what makes us human empathy, communication, and resilience. These are the qualities that will set our students apart in a world where machines handle routine tasks, but people lead with purpose. These vital capabilities form the basis of much of the pastoral programmes in the School.
The future is not something to fear it’s something to shape. And together, as a School community, we’re ensuring our students are ready not just to meet it, but to lead it.
Steve Wynhorst
Deputy Principal