Hills Grammar’s has again been awarded a ‘5 Star Innovative School’ award by The Educator. Hills Grammar’s culture is defined by diversity, inclusivity and a deep sense of community, where the strengths and stories of each individual are celebrated and supported.
The School’s vision is to foster each student’s potential through outstanding teaching in a unique learning environment, serving as the foundation for its forward-thinking ethos.
Under the leadership of principal Karen Yager, the school, which covers Pre-K to Grade 12, has pioneered a range of initiatives that empower students to take charge of their learning journeys.
For example, The Hills Education Passport for the Future is a micro-credentialing system that validates student achievements beyond the traditional curriculum. This innovative approach recognises passions and skills developed in diverse contexts, equipping students with the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Students are encouraged to look beyond classroom walls, discover their passions and develop as responsible, resilient citizens. Other initiatives that exemplify Hills Grammar’s commitment to preparing students for the future include:
- model United Nations
- adoption of AI in classrooms
- partnerships with the University of Technology Sydney and HEX High to deliver accredited university courses
Another hallmark of Hills Grammar’s progressive approach is its FutureNow Taskforce – a collaborative think tank comprising over 90 members, including students (Years 5–12), teachers, parents, School Council members and university partners. Meeting fortnightly, the taskforce explores the latest research and provocations on the future of schooling, challenging conventional models and developing “blue-sky” solutions.
Guided by critical friends such as Professors Yong Zhou and John Fischetti, the team has crafted the Hills Archetypes for the Future, focusing on:
- nurturing identity – a sense of belonging
- deepening learning – inspiring curiosity
- fostering ethical leadership – integrity, compassion and courage
- growing entrepreneurial citizens – student voice and agency
- embracing technological innovation – harnessing it for personalisation, creativity and collaboration
- promoting environmental sustainability – making informed decisions and taking actions
- enabling agility in career navigation – to be adaptive, resilient and confident
Each working group within the taskforce develops and refines innovative proposals in areas such as student flourishing, reimagining learning spaces, technological transformation and civic citizenship. This collaborative, research-driven process ensures that innovation is not only the purview of a single leader but also a shared responsibility embraced by the entire community.
Among Hills Grammar’s lesser-known innovations is the Birrung program (which means “star” in Dharug language), an inclusive adaptation of the traditional “Opportunity Class” that nurtures talents across a spectrum of disciplines, including fine arts, PDHPE, science and technology. This program exemplifies the school’s commitment to recognising and cultivating strengths beyond conventional academics, fostering collaboration and real-world problem-solving.
Looking ahead, Hills Grammar continues to prioritise interdisciplinary guided inquiry, connecting disciplines through overarching concepts and real-world challenges. The school’s action learning teams, student-led program teams and ongoing reviews ensure that innovation remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of students and society.
By empowering students with agency, embracing new technologies and fostering a spirit of lifelong learning, Hills Grammar prepares young people not only for academic success but also for meaningful, impactful lives in a complex and changing world.
This article was originally published by The Educator.