In 2008 Term 4, the 21st Century Enlightenment Scholars Project was launched after receiving a ACQTP Grant to design a future focused, global multidisciplinary course. This project addresses the National Statement on Engagement with Asia through its focus question, Australia: East or West? All subject disciplines address the question through inquiry, research and the specific incorporation of web2 technologies. It is a collaborative partnership between MLC teachers and experts from a range of fields.

“Is Australia notionally East or West?”
21st Century Enlightenment Scholars Summit

The Enlightenment scholars of the 18th and 19th century sought to rationalise everything - be it people, politics, physics or philosophy, they believed that to be a truly enlightened human being you needed to use reason to uncover the answers to true understanding.

To reason, is to investigate, and look for truths. In this spirit, Year 10 began their 21st Century Enlightenment Scholars Summit recently investigating “Is Australia notionally East or West?” – are we a country and culture dominated by Western traditions, language, knowledge and values, or is our regional proximity to Asia, and the growing economies of this region, now redefining our global and cultural position?

Or does the universality of common needs and expectations, of social, economic and political networks, due to globalisation, now ultimately create the ties that bind all different peoples on the planet?

In Term 4, our Year 10 girls explore these ideas in all their subjects. Unlike the original Enlightenment movement, they will bring a 21st century spirit of enquiry that includes the perspective of women.

English - texts for understanding real and symbolic neighbourhoods, boundaries and fences

LOTE - how the study of language heightens the difference between Citizen or Tourist

Humanities - The impact of Asian Society, Culture and Belief on 21st century living

Sciences, Technology, Design and Health - East or West: what influences technology and innovation

Mathematics – The universal language that bridges cultural difference

Creative and Performing Arts - cultural enrichment brings cultural understanding of East and West.