2026 PD Wrap Up: Co-designing a Student-Led Wellbeing Conference in the Middle Years
Building on our Term 1 focus of cultivating a thriving community from day one, we welcomed Edward McInnes, Year 7 Wellbeing Leader at Scotch College, to hear about the pivotal role of student agency during the Middle Years. The session explored how fostering student agency empowers learners to move beyond passive participation, allowing them to actively shape their own experiences and contribute meaningfully to their school culture. Ed shared Scotch College’s innovative "Wellbeing Scientists" model, where students lead their own inquiry into personal and collective wellbeing. A standout highlight was their student-led Wellbeing Conference, a co-designed event where students present research and facilitate workshops for peers and families. By stepping into conference roles, students are empowered to take wellbeing from a classroom concept into a visible, lived practice that resonates across the entire school community. Author/Source: PESA and Ed McInnes, Scotch College.