This year, Brighton Secondary School has implemented the subject Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) for Year 11 students. This course, which has been successfully piloted across South Australian schools, will replace the Stage 2 Research Project (RP) and will remain a compulsory part of students’ SACE journey.
AIF builds on Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) which students undertake during Year 10. In AIF, learners select a topic of interest to them and develop knowledge and skills related to this topic through talking to others, exploring new ideas, trying new skills and gathering feedback. Learners appraise what they learned, how they learned it and the value of the learning to them. Every student’s experience of AIF will be different, making the subject unique and student-centered.
Feedback from schools that piloted AIF in South Australia has been overwhelmingly positive. Students reported feeling energised and more engaged when they could focus on topics of their own choosing. They enjoyed forming stronger relationships with their teachers, took greater control of their own learning, and were able to transfer their new learning habits to other subjects. Additionally, schools and teachers involved in designing the subject saw both immediate and long-term benefits for students; their dispositions towards learning and greater student agency.
Brighton Secondary School and the SACE Board see AIF as an opportunity for young people to demonstrate initiative, to show the world what they know and can do, and to set themselves up for where they want to go in life.
Our teachers are enthusiastic about guiding students through AIF, helping them develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that will enrich their SACE journey and prepare them for life after school. As a team, we look forward to seeing our learners thrive in AIF and take greater ownership over their learning.
If you would like to learn more about AIF, please visit the SACE Board website. Should you have any questions, please contact Identity and Futures Leader, Jessica Brodzicki at jessica.norman530@schools.sa.edu.au.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create positive learning experiences for our learners.
