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Stephanie McConnell
Principal Lindfield Learning Village
Stephanie McConnell: Transforming Education in New South Wales
Stephanie McConnell is the founding Principal of Lindfield Learning Village, an innovative public school in Sydney, Australia that is part of the NSW Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education from Macquarie University.2
Vision and Approach
McConnell's vision is to transform educational experiences for students by moving away from the 19th century model of education and embracing a more student-centered, interdisciplinary approach.12 At Lindfield Learning Village, she has implemented a unique model that features:
- Stage-not-age learning, allowing students to progress based on their skill level rather than age1
- Student agency, voice and choice at the center of learning design1
- Transdisciplinary learning that goes beyond the curriculum and allows students to pursue their passions1
- A human-centered design thinking approach1
- Open classroom spaces and no uniforms or school bells3
- Project-based, multidisciplinary learning methods3
Career and Impact
McConnell has over 30 years of experience in education, starting as an English teacher and Head Teacher at Merrylands High School in 1991.1 She later served as Deputy Principal at Killara High School and Turramurra High School before becoming Principal at Turramurra High in 2011.1
In 2018, McConnell was appointed as the founding Principal of Lindfield Learning Village, where she has led the design and implementation of the school's innovative educational model.12 Under her leadership, Lindfield Learning Village has become a model for progressive education in Australia.
However, in June 2024, McConnell and the school's two deputy principals suddenly departed the school, with the NSW Department of Education citing an internal investigation that does not involve child protection issues.3 Parents expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the impact on the school's stability and educational approach.3
Despite this recent development, Stephanie McConnell remains a passionate and influential figure in the effort to transform education in New South Wales and beyond. Her work at Lindfield Learning Village has opened up new possibilities for student-centered learning and challenged traditional models of schooling.
