2. Hasmonean High School: Building a culture of independent learning and critical thinking

Hasmonean High School’s approach to independent learning and critical thinking permeates every age, stage and activity, from early in year 7. By years 12 and 13, students regularly teach classes, find answers to questions and initiate projects both within and outside the school without any teacher involvement.

The school focuses on three essential messages: getting everybody – teachers, parents and students – to work together; student learning that is independent of the teacher; and providing an ethical and moral curriculum.