Independent Schools Guide 2025: Fostering forward thinking and dynamic learners

Families who log on to Westbourne Grammar School’s website may be surprised to come face-to-face with the Principal’s “digital twin”. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), the school has created a life-like avatar of Dr Adrian Camm that interacts with website visitors.

Westbourne is renowned for educational innovation and for harnessing advanced technologies that enhance communication, teaching and learning. Camm’s digital twin, who speaks 50 languages, is one of the latest examples of this in action.

“Adrian’s avatar provides a more personal interaction with families, enabling communication in their native language – from Tamil to Hindi to Vietnamese,” says Ellen Moffatt, Deputy Principal and Head of Westbourne’s Truganina Campus.

Other bespoke tech initiatives include a CyberTrail Program that allows senior students to explore IT industry skills and micro-credentials. Students design their own learning pathways and can choose from cybersecurity and white-hat hacking, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, UI and UX development, and artificial intelligence.

A Student AI Academy for years 5 to 12 also fosters innovation by enabling students to create AI-powered applications and products during hands-on workshops. A Staff AI Academy has also been developed as a resource hub for teachers who want to improve their understanding of AI and how it can enhance student learning.

However, perhaps one of the most exciting features at Westbourne is an eSports Studio with state-of-the-art and augmented reality gaming, as well as driving and flight simulators.

“We recognised that more young people were interested in gaming as a career pathway and they were keen to pursue an interest in live streaming technology, vlogging and professional gaming,” Moffatt says.

“We’ve tapped into that and offer eSports in lieu of a weekday team sport for one season per year.”

While Westbourne is at the leading edge of advanced technologies and educational innovation, the school also maintains a firm focus on nurturing an inclusive environment in which every student is empowered to succeed.

For Middle School students, a new dedicated precinct opening in 2026 on the Truganina Campus will redefine middle years learning and provide a unique learning experience that meets the needs of young people in years 5 to 8.

Based on the research of futurist David Thornburg, it will have “campfire” spaces for talks and discussions, “watering holes” where students can share and collaborate, and “caves” for quiet reflection.

There will also be innovation hubs, private study zones, breakout and presentation spaces, a health and wellbeing centre and a student-led cafe.

Westbourne’s curriculum explores global philosophies and ethics and encourages critical thinking and respect for diverse perspectives. It is a proud community of over 2000 students from 50 nationalities and 27 faiths.

“In an age of polarisation, understanding humanness is more important than ever, and we are therefore implementing a subject called Echoes and Dialogues,” Moffatt says.

“Each week, students engage in profound, respectful and constructive reflection, and debate questions around knowledge and truth, and other big questions relating to the human experience.

westbournegrammar.com