We understand that developing strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy is a critical component of learning to be a self-determined lifelong learner.

At the Urban Hub these skills are developed in multiple ways. There are the specific building blocks (courses) that target these skills directly.

In a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning environment, these skills are also a core component of many other learning experiences.

These authentic learning opportunities are an excellent way to reinforce core understandings in literacy and numeracy.

We also understand the neuroscience of learning - and that learning to articulate learning has been shown to be a powerful accelerant of literacy and learning. At every opportunity the learners are encouraged to articulate their learning. 

There are a number of different building blocks which evolve each year, including a specifically science based block.

However in order to enable the learners to seek wider links or patterns in their learning, a number of disciplines from a traditional school context have been given fresh contexts within an understanding of wider systems thinking.

In this way we get the learners to see the world through a variety of ‘system’ lenses: mathematical systems, scientific systems, economic systems, social and cultural systems.

The learners gradually grow their understanding of the wider world within this framework. 

There is a universal need in schools to grow self-directed learning skills, but this remains an elusive or even confusing goal for many schools.

We have had a close look at the different skills learners need in order to be capable of self-managed lifelong learning. These skills provide the basis for a highly intentional growth of learner agency within the context of independent learning skills.

At the Urban Hub learners are constantly brought face to face the reality of needing to develop independent learning skills. The different sub skills that contribute to the ability of individuals to flourish and grow as learners have been brought into a context where the sub skills are identified and grown.

Learners are mentored into adopting strong self-direction, self-management, self-regulation and self-determination.

As individual learners gain strength in the terminology of learning, so too do they grow self-autonomous learning skills.