Rethinking schools for a changing world

Who we are

The Australian National Schools Network (ANSN) is a not-for-profit national network of teachers, researchers, schools, systems, sectors, unions, universities, and community and business partners.

Our focus is on rethinking schools and schooling for a changing world.

Download a membership brochure (PDF)

 

 

Download a statement about our objects, purposes and the work we do (PDF)

 

As a dynamic learning organisation, the network continually seeks ideas and identifies concerns expressed by teachers, principals, and educational leaders at all levels of the educational system across Australia, in both urban and regional areas. Through the network, we have learned much about the contexts and conditions required to sustain a passion for learning and promote student achievement.

What we stand for

The ANSN has a long, successful history in school reform and improvement. The network is at the forefront of new thinking about learning, pedagogy, curriculum and school organisation. We have six key objectives, which are:

  1. to connect teachers nationally, as they explore and research new ideas, and as they reflect on and reform their practices in order to support more effective learning;
  2. to support schools and systems that are seeking to review, rethink and redesign their work over time;
  3. to establish and maintain partnerships in education as we do our work with other stakeholders;
  4. to support critical reflection on emerging trends in teaching and learning in Australia;
  5. to learn from our work and publish and disseminate findings from our research and practice; and
  6. to provide professional learning opportunities for those interested in learning about the practices that emerge from our work.

The ANSN believes that all students are entitled to an education that is engaging and develops their capacity to access powerful knowledge

What we do

The ANSN Board and its Networkers are engaged in a range of initiatives, grouped around the following themes.

1 Rethinking schooling, which includes work on:

  • Big Picture Australia and Big Picture Inspired Schools;
  • Connecting Lives and Learning (with University of South Australia) and ALIGN (with University of Sydney), coming together as the national Project Turnaround;
  • Teaching to Make a Difference, involving refugee students.

In addition, the ANSN is exploring the development of projects within Indigenous education and around schoolcommunity partnerships.

2 Exploring new ideas and technology

Current hubs of activity and projects include:

  • Interactive Whiteboards Hub;
  • Early Childhood and Technology Hub – Digi Kids;
  • Curriculum Planning Hub;
  • Habits of Mind and Dimensions of Learning Hubs;
  • Numeracy Across the Curriculum Project;
  • Authentic Assessment, Digital Portfolios and Exhibitions Hub.

3 Building capacity in schools and communities

Current courses include:

  • Leading Action Learning;
  • Cognitive Coaching;
  • Leadership to Change Program;
  • and Strengthening Student Work through Protocol Training.

4 Building the network

Current work includes:

  • national advocacy forums;
  • E-news and publications;
  • web development;
  • critical issues in education web forum;
  • research and development work across projects and hubs;
  • national forums on key school education issues;
  • Networker development;
  • and state, territory and regional development.

How we do it

The ANSN develops systems of influence, through Networks, Communities of Practice (CoPs), Networks of Communities of Practice and Emergent Systems of Influence. The ANSN does this by acknowledging the pioneers of the work and their contribution to education, and sharing this with others; by connecting people through gatherings, networks and the use of technology; by nourishing them with ideas, mentors, processes, technology, and money; and by illuminating, through publications, stories, conferences and visits to sites of learning in order to develop relationships.

Benefits of joining the Network

Members of the ANSN can:

  • participate in network projects and research at the leading edge of educational innovation;
  • work and share ideas, materials and experience with like-minded professionals – locally, nationally and internationally;
  • keep up to date with current developments and future directions; access and use sections of the ANSN website available only to members;
  • receive significant discounts on the extensive and growing range of ANSN products and services, such as kits and professional learning activities.

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