SENIOR SCHOOL
The importance of Service Learning
The term Service Learning was first used
in the 1960s as a description for the concept
of learning through community involvement.
Since that time much has been written about
the benefits of Service Learning, but it was
not until the last decade in Australia that
research into the power and importance of
Service Learning within the life of the School
and the student has been forthcoming
and persuasive. Research shows that not
only does Service Learning have academic
benefits, but it increases civic responsibility,
improves mental health for participants,
and creates a stronger sense of community
inside and outside of the School. Increasingly,
society and schools have become aware of
the need to broaden student’s experiences
of curriculum through the Service Learning
model. On the basis of this evidence the
Western Australia Department for Education
and Training developed a program aimed at
introducing Service Learning as a necessary
part of education for Western Australian
students.
One of the key roles of an Anglican school
should be to teach students about the
Christian story, as well as the concepts of
Christian love, sacrifice and compassion.
Service Learning allows students to practice
and develop these traits through their
interaction with others. Central to any idea
of Service Learning in an Anglican school
should be the power and witness of the
story of Jesus Christ, which demonstrates
to us a desire to serve others and not to
be served. We can see many accounts of
this from the New Testament, not least in
three of the Gospel accounts; Matthew
20:28, Mark 10:45, John 13:1-17. These
teachings from the Gospels are particularly
demonstrated in our School during the
commissioning of our School leaders at the
commencement of the school year when
the Headmaster washes their feet as Christ
did, thus recalling the words of Jesus:
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and
rightly so, for that is what I am. Now
that I, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also should wash
one another’s feet. I have set you an
example that you should do as I have
done for you. Very truly I tell you, no
servant is greater than his master, nor is
a messenger greater than the one who
sent him. Now that you know these
things, you will be blessed if you do
them. (John 13:13-17)
10
It is this idea of service to others, and servant
leadership which gives effect to the very
purpose of the School:
“Inspiring students to achieve personal
excellence and be outstanding citizens
who work to c