We are pleased to welcome Nicole Blyth to the Perth College Leadership Team as Director of Learning and Teaching (Years 7 to 12). Nicole has extensive experience leading Learning and Teaching and her approach to delivering educational excellence will be an asset to Perth College.
Welcome to PC! Tell me a bit about yourself and your approach to education.
Thank you, it’s great to be part of the PC Community. I am married to Craig, a commercial financial manager who was originally a country boy from Narrogin, we have a daughter Addison who is 10 years old. We also have a menagerie of pets, including two ragdoll cats, a silky terrier puppy, and four goldfish. As a family, we enjoy cooking, traveling, camping, and fishing.
Professionally, my focus is on fostering a holistic and empowering educational environment where girls can use the opportunities available to them to see how effort influences achievement and work toward personal success. My approach is grounded in creating a supportive and inclusive community where every girl feels connected and encouraged to explore their passions and grow as a learner.
Teachers working in partnership with parents to support each girl’s learning journey is a key element of my philosophy. I strive to maintain open communication channels, working together to ensure the well-being and personal academic excellence of each girl. In an ever-evolving educational landscape, I am committed to staying abreast of innovative teaching methods and technologies to lead staff and provide the best possible education for the girls in our care.
Tell me about your career in education so far.
I began my journey as a dedicated educator, where I honed my teaching skills and developed a passion for nurturing students' growth in the government sector before moving to an international school. I transitioned into leadership roles, assuming responsibilities that allowed me to contribute to the overall development of the school community at Penrhos College.
My commitment to educational excellence led me to take on roles of increasing responsibility, implementing innovative and effective strategies to enhance the educational experience for girls, to ensure a well-rounded approach to their academic, social, and personal development.
I have actively engaged in professional development opportunities, staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in education. My journey has been driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of girls’ education and a dedication to preparing young minds for success in the ever-changing world.
What are your thoughts on the different learning pedagogies and their impact on students learning?
As a qualified AITSL teacher assessor, I've had the opportunity to observe hundreds of lessons spanning from Pre-K to Year 12. This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of employing a diverse range of pedagogies, including play-based learning, guided inquiry, problem-based learning, and explicit teaching, tailored to the age and developmental phase of each learner.
My educational philosophy is grounded in a student-centered approach, that balances curriculum content with the development of skills so that students are not just supported to achieve personal success, but also well-prepared for the future.
In my experience, I've found that the most significant factor influencing students' learning, particularly for girls, is the teacher-student relationship. While I prioritise consistency and high teaching standards, I also recognise and celebrate the unique contributions that each teacher brings to the classroom.
Do you have any advice for parents who have daughters transitioning into Senior School this year?
I encourage parents to cultivate open communication, where listening takes precedence, offering guidance as needed to assist their daughter in setting realistic goals and building confidence in her abilities. Delving into the importance of balancing academics, co-curricular activities, and downtime is crucial to alleviating stress and fostering a healthy approach to challenges for your daughter.
While staying engaged in your daughter's education is essential, it's equally important to respect her growing independence. Strike a balance between offering support and allowing her the space to make decisions and learn from her experiences.
Remember, each girl is unique, and the transition to Senior School can vary for each student. By fostering a supportive and communicative environment, and forming a three-way partnership with your daughter’s teachers, you can guide her through this period fostering her confidence and resilience.
You have spent over 20 years in private girls’ education, what are the benefits of an all-girls education and why is it different?
I've had the privilege of observing the multitude of benefits that come with an all-girls educational environment, many of which are firmly grounded in educational research. An all-girls school provides a safe space where they can confidently express themselves and navigate a world where gender equality continues to evolve.
One standout advantage is the abundance of leadership opportunities available to our students. These experiences not only boost self-esteem but also instill a strong sense of responsibility, equipping them with invaluable skills for the future.
In the absence of boys, our classrooms are finely tuned to the learning styles and preferences of girls. This tailored approach fosters a focused, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment, ensuring that more time is dedicated to learning.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to include a rich array of perspectives, showcasing female achievements and contributions across various subjects. This intentional design actively challenges gender stereotypes, creating a truly inclusive learning experience.
Pedagogical approaches underscore the benefits of collaborative learning and communication, acknowledging evidence-based best practices that reveal girls often thrive in cooperative settings. Our teaching methods incorporate group projects and interactive discussions, fostering teamwork and shared learning experiences. Moreover, our girls are actively encouraged to take part in traditionally male-dominated fields, including STEM.
As a result, girls emerge well-prepared to face challenges in any professional or academic setting, armed with resilience and determination. I am proud to join the staff here are Perth College to nurture these qualities, ensuring our girls are not only academically adept but also well-equipped for the dynamic and evolving world that awaits them.