traces of learning

Anything worthwhile should leave a trace…

our narrative

We dreamt of a school for children’s voices, for educators to feel joy, for families to feel welcome and honoured. Our dream is realised through dialogue, trust, challenge, and innovation.

Now accepting interest for Partnership Schools in 2025!

Join our growing community of innovative schools by partnering with Traces of Learning in 2025. We specialize in creating inquiry-driven educational experiences that empower students and educators alike. Our context-driven consulting services are designed to meet the unique needs of each school, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and leadership. If you're ready to explore the possibilities of transforming your educational environment, contact us today to start the conversation about how we can work together.

Our approach is to develop inquiry projects that are built around you and your children, and in turn, sit firmly within your setting. This informs experiences (moments with children) and the design of spaces. 

Follow our journey.

 
View fullsize Professional Learning in March now full 🌱 Please email us to discuss other PL opportunities
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View fullsize We are excited to offer this professional learning in March! 🌱 Scan the QR code or follow this LINK https://forms.gle/CAWGuaLAxLiCvW5JA
View fullsize Watch this space 🍃 for professional learning focused around the ‘capture’, pedagogy of listening, documentation and artefacts as a trace. 🙌🏾 #learneragency #inquiry #reggioinspired #love #learning #pyp #myp
View fullsize Through the ears and eyes of Babinda - a Project about Community, Diversity, Responsibility, and Contribution. We launched this project with the team at St Rita’s Babinda through modelling, observation and feedback - always considering how we
View fullsize Blessed to be working alongside St Rita’s Babinda next week on Wanyurr Majay Country 🌱
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View fullsize We are excited to be heading to China in 2024 to share our model, experience and expertise. Watch this space 💚 #inquirylearning #studentagency

Meet the Team

We at traces of learning work in educational settings, we work alongside educators and children to ensure we stay up to date and become researchers within our educational system

We view children as capable citizens and focus our approach on concepts that are lived and experienced all around us.

Anything worthwhile should leave a trace.

  • Gemma is an Educational Consultant and Primary School Principal, and she has been a leading educator for over 20 years. Gemma has held roles such as Principal, Deputy Principal, Leadership consultant, coach, mentor, Literacy Leader and Change consultant. Her love and passion for learning and teaching led to Traces of Learning. Furthering her expertise by completing a Post Graduate in Literacy Leadership, Graduate certificate in leadership, Masters in Educational Leadership and currently completing a Phd in Education - leading Learning and Teaching change.

    Her workshops and consultancy are based on her further study and experience as a leader and educator. As an educational consultant, Gemma is committed to ensuring her experience and research create cycles of change. She expanded this research through the launch of Traces of Learning wanting to support others in leading change and implementing models to inspire leaders, educators and children. She works alongside schools to coach and mentor a hands on approach while embedding curriculum and leadership standards. Gemma works with schools around the Globe and ELC’s to build consistency and accountability whilst bringing joy and passion.

    Gemma has been a panel member of The Age Summit, presenter National Education Summit, 2023 REAIE Conference - Landscapes of Curiosity and Creativity, in dialogue with the 100 languages Melbourne/Naarm and has been awarded Visionary Leader - Walker learning.

  • Jarryd Bradford joined the Traces team in 2022 as a co-designer & consultant and focuses his work heavily on developing rich learning experiences that enable student voice and agency.

    Jarryd has previously held the role of Deputy Principal and Learning & Teaching Leader at multiple schools as well as Literacy Leader, Leadership Coach, and Senior School Team leader.

    Jarryd is passionate about cultivating sustainable and effective leadership within schools and their learning and teaching teams. Jarryd’s expertise in Project-based learning stems from his participation in the Thinking & Learning in a Maker-Centered Classroom online partnership with Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 2023, Jarryd was nominated by MACS as one of Australia’s Best Teacher Of The Year as recognized in the Herald Sun.

    Jarryd’s commitment to developing authentic pedagogical practices empowers educators to design unique learning experiences that spark children’s curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them.

Educator - Kensington Internation School, Bangkok

Our days with Traces were thought-provoking, good-paced, clear, helpful, and exciting. Every question was welcomed with open arms. We can’t wait to apply what we have learnt into practice

Kaylene Carlin - Principal, Sacred Heart Newport

Engaging with Traces has enabled our school to build on the pedagogical foundations laid over the past four years. Their commitment, passion and energy have inspired our educators to step further outside their comfort zone and think differently about what an authentic, child-centred Inquiry curriculum looks like. Beginning with our children's interests and wonderings & an explicit alignment with the Victorian Curriculum, learning is designed to provide opportunities for children to learn more about their world, linking to prior knowledge and experiences and making new connections. 

“Leaving here feeling inspired and rejuvenated for what possibilities can happen at our school! Thank you for your clear and passionate explanation of your ways of thinking and learning.”

– Educator, Milgate Primary School, Melbourne