The DaviS Centre
COnnection, Support and Resources Right at The heart of the College
The Davis Centre supports students and staff in all their learning and teaching endeavors.
Offering a wide range of resources and academic services – including print resources, e-resources, study skills and literacy support, ICT support, and printing services – the Davis Centre functions as a one-stop-shop for all students and staff.
At GYC we strive to develop autonomous and reflective learners who will become effective and constructive global citizens. This philosophy is embodied by the Davis Centre not only via the range of adaptable spaces we provide, from quiet and reflective to and lively and collaborative, but also through our support for diversity in learning and emphasis on community wellbeing.
Quite simply, the Davis Centre hopes to become the heart of the College, a home-away-from-home where both students and staff are not just supported but nurtured in all their academic pursuits.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The Davis Centre Research Branch
Supporting teaching and learning across the school via a range of different research projects, initiatives, and innovations.
We are currently undertaking research in relation to three focus areas. This is multi-faceted and underpinned by high-level research outputs, including curriculum resources, peer-reviewed journal articles, popular publications, presentations, and opportunities for staff professional learning. Learn more via the links below.
The lintalumala Project
In palawa kani, the language of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, lintalumala is the name given to the Native Cherry tree, a woody plant which once grew in abundance on this site.
In 1873, The Mercury newspaper recounted that Fr. Connolly, the first Catholic Priest in Tasmania, would join Aboriginal peoples in celebration among these trees on land that is now part of Guilford Young College.
Building Reading Culture
The Davis Centre is leading an innovative research initiative to boost literacy through the cultivation of a vibrant school-wide reading culture. What began as a modest recreational reading program, has flourished over the last three years into an emerging literacy network.
The initiative encompasses:
A tailored recreational reading scheme for students
A staff Conferencing service, to assist staff in choosing the best text for them
The GYC Media Mingle Group: an online chat forum
The Writing Express Program: library-facilitated poetry workshops embedded in creative writing classes
Outreach to feeder schools: bespoke literary workshops for younger pupils
Developing students' critical literacy through research
We're acutely aware of Tasmania's literacy challenges, with the state currently facing the lowest rates in Australia. Our multifaceted, approach aims to address this issue directly, offering innovative ways to boost reading engagement and literacy skills throughout our educational community. By interweaving these library-led initiatives, we're creating an environment that kindles a love for reading and writing, supporting improved literacy outcomes for Tasmanian students.
AI in Education
Staying abreast of rapid changes in technological tools to enhance learning and teaching is a key focus area at the Davis Centre. Over the last year, our focus on AI in Education has continued to grow and evolve.
Currently, Davis Centre staff are working with Director of Pedagogy, Emma Puszkar, to research a best practice approach to the integration of AI in the classroom. Our work in this area is centered on identifying and recommending effective AI tools for teachers, developing comprehensive professional learning programs.
To this end, the Davis Centre is working closely with Languages teachers, Kristin Leeds and Kelsey Cooper, to undertake a case study to explore the impact of AI on student engagement and learning outcomes. This ongoing research aims to ensure that GYC remains at the cutting edge of educational innovation, empowering teachers with the resources they need to harness AI's potential effectively.
Davis Centre Research branch news
Catch up on all the latest news and exciting new projects from the Davis Centre Team
Davis Centre staff
Academic Research Leader
Dr Demelza Hall
Demelza brings 15 years of academic experience to her role as Academic Research Leader at GYC. Having worked as a lecturer in Literature and Film Studies at two regional universities, Demelza is particularly passionate about equity in education and supporting students in academic transition.
Demelza has published several research papers in the fields of Education and Australian literary studies and has recently accepted an Adjunct Researcher role at the University of Tasmania.
Davis Centre Research Officer
Trine Hooper
Trine Hooper has postgraduate qualifications in information studies. Her background includes working in public libraries and she's interested in how the Centre serves as a focal point for community as it supports students and staff in literacy and learning.
Trine is inspired by the opportunity to support students to realise their individual gifts and potential as members of the community.​​​​​​​
Davis Centre Research Officer
Daniel Purton
Daniel has a background working in university and specialist libraries. He has postgraduate qualifications in information management and in communication and media studies.
Daniel is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the Davis Centre, where all GYC students are supported to pursue their academic and personal goals.
Davis Centre Research Officer
Madalin Pettit
Madalin has a tertiary qualification in Humanities and is presently completing a law degree.
She has been with GYC for several years in a student support capacity and is particularly interested in advancing the confidence and skills of students as they transition into future studies or employment opportunities. Madi is attempting to learn Spanish in her spare time!