PLC Melbourne · Proposed contribution
My vision for PLC
A Centre that brings girls’ questions, teacher expertise and research together—in service of learning, connection and flourishing.
Education · Inquiry · Innovation
Jen Buchanan
Purposeful inquiry.
Meaningful educational change.
Connecting research, teacher practice and professional growth to create richer learning experiences—and help girls flourish.
Application for Head of the Centre for Innovation & Research
Better learning. Stronger professional communities.
What if learning begins with who students are becoming, not what they know?
My work is grounded in a belief that education should allow learners to reflect and reconnect with the human experience. Before content, before outcomes, learning must begin with presence.
I am currently Principal of THINK Global School, the world’s only traveling high school, where students live and learn across four countries each year. My work in education has taken me to schools around the world, always grounded in a commitment to creativity, wellbeing, and helping young people truly thrive.
At the heart of my work is a guiding question: what does it mean to stay human? Whether leading students, exploring new places, or working as an artist, I am drawn to the moments that connect us, to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.
I believe education should spark curiosity, nurture wellbeing, and empower every student to flourish.
Four connected priorities
Inquiry that matters.
Practice that makes a difference.
A whole-school perspective on learning, wellbeing and growth—from early learning to Year 12.
01 / LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Exceptional teacher practice
Connect contemporary research with the everyday craft of teaching, from early learning to Year 12.
Explore this focus02 / LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Coaching & professional growth
Build teacher and leadership capability through trust, reflection, feedback and collaborative inquiry.
Explore this focus03 / LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Research & educational impact
Turn purposeful inquiry into better learning, wellbeing and flourishing—with girls, not only about them.
Explore this focus04 / LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Digital learning, AI & the future
Explore technology because it improves learning—not because it is new. Keep ethics and human judgement central.
Explore this focusGirls’ learning & flourishing
Research with girls.
Not only about them.
Student voice is more than feedback at the end of a project. Bringing girls into inquiry and educational design helps connect research to their lived experiences, agency and wellbeing. Teachers, leaders and research partners each contribute a different kind of expertise.
Explore research & impactRead my vision
PLC Melbourne · Application responses
Experience into contribution
My responses to six selection criteria for Head of the Centre for Innovation and Research: Christian ethos, educational research, innovation, coaching, ethical leadership and partnerships.
Purpose before technology
Responsible innovation
A practical approach to digital learning and AI: define the educational need, protect student wellbeing and evaluate what changes.