Future Trends: Education and Curriculum
Mark Smith
Pedagogical Development & Community Relations Leader at St Aloysius College
There are many potential concepts and approaches that could take centre stage over the next few years. Some of the more well-known concepts currently include:
Digital Literacy Skills
There will be a continued emphasis on integrating digital technologies across all areas of the curriculum. This includes enhancing digital literacy skills among students, utilising educational apps, platforms, and coding. Moreover, continued education around ethical considerations related to digital citizenship is essential. This includes teaching students about online safety, responsible digital footprints, and the ethical use of information. Year 8 students at St Aloysius College will soon be undertaking their consent and digital self-defence unit in Health Education.
Critical and Creative Thinking
Developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities supports students in becoming adaptable and innovative thinkers, crucial for navigating future challenges. This forms a significant part of the updated Victorian Curriculum due to be implemented across various subjects starting next year and into 2026.
STEM and STEAM Education
This continues to be an important topic globally as technology continues to develop. St Aloysius College will continue to act in this area with the newly formed partnership with The University of Melbourne's STEM and Science Gallery. New for 2025, selected year levels at St Aloysius will be able to participate in collaborative and project-based learning scenarios. The aim is to promote holistic hands-on learning experiences, interdisciplinary projects, and partnerships with industry to prepare students for STEM/STEAM-related careers. Moreover, the introduction of Coding and e-Sports clubs and competitions could be on the horizon to further enhance these skills.
Student Voice and Co-Design
There are increasing levels of research locally and globally regarding student voice and co-design. This approach aims to engage students actively in shaping their own learning experiences, making education more relevant, inclusive, and responsive to their needs and interests. This aims to empower students, increasing their sense of purpose, resilience, and risk-taking behaviour in their learning. Selected St Aloysius College Year 9 students in Health and PE will shortly participate with the University of Melbourne in this topic, aiming to conduct more formal research with the University over the next few years.
These major trends and initiatives indicate a transition towards a dynamic, personalised, and interdisciplinary approach to education, with the aim of preparing students for lifelong success, not just academic outcomes. With sustainability continuing to be a major focus area, the future looks to ensure current and future generations can understand, connect, and protect cultures at a local, national, and global scale.