There is a growing interest in the link between the developing brain – including the teenage brain – and the achievement of educational outcomes.
From the moment we are born, our brains are programmed to react to and engage with others; we are fundamentally social beings. Researchers have similarly found that the social context is extremely important to learning because humans use the so-called ‘social brain’ when they are collaborating with each other. With very few exceptions, humans like to be together and we therefore learn best when we are together. Many of our students found learning more challenging at home this year, not just because they missed their friends, but because the social brain is profoundly active during the learning process. There is something about being in the presence of others that drives our learning through motivation, competition and engagement.
We have missed a lot of this type of engagement this year in two key ways. Firstly, we have been distant; learning online, without the physical presence of others, compromised the ability of our social brains to be connected and engaged. I am grateful to the teachers and students who initiated so many social experiences and competitions online that replicated the physical interactions we were missing. These, together with the virtual classes, ensured that our students’ learning journeys continued seamlessly. Secondly, on our return to school we have all been wearing masks, which has prevented us from reading the social cues on the faces of others.
Therefore, these holidays I encourage all in our community to socialise. I urge you to create opportunities to reconnect with family and friends in order to reactivate and stimulate the social brain. I am confident that, over the summer break, you will feel increasingly nourished by being in the company of others.
Have a restful, safe, joyful and holy Christmas, and I looked forward to seeing you all in the new year.
Penelope Monger - Assistant Principal - Secondary
