The Hale Institute of Innovation and Research was established to provide students and staff with opportunities to explore and develop the latest innovations in learning, and to apply research findings to enhance educational excellence.
The Hale Institute partners with leading institutions to strategically inform, guide, and improve the learning experience for Hale students and the broader educational community. Our partners include the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, the Research Invested Schools Network, the ACEL Innovation in Education Network, Microsoft (Showcase School, Surface School, and Innovative Educator Expert), the Curtin University Innovative Schools Consortium, and a range of universities including the University of Western Australia and the University of Notre Dame Australia.
The remit of the Hale Institute is extensive and varied, with a range of projects including:
- Participation in a global research project to identify strategies that support boys’ academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional wellbeing.
- Fostering departmental collaborations to enrich and extend the core curriculum.
- Facilitating conferences and events to share strategies, research findings, insights, and practical teaching and learning tools.
- Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance assessment and feedback outcomes.
- Participation in the Rising Scholar Program, providing high-achieving students with advanced tertiary learning experiences and the opportunity to complete fully accredited university units.
- Integrating virtual reality (VR) into the curriculum to create immersive learning experiences.
- Coordinating a STEM NASA Tour, offering students unique applied learning opportunities.
- Delivering an integrated curriculum that incorporates digital literacy and design challenges, underpinned by the design thinking methodology.
- Offering a drone micro-credential course for students and staff.
- Participation in a global research project exploring the benefits of character education.
- Researching and developing contemporary learning spaces.
Action Research Program
The Action Research Program promotes teaching excellence by enabling staff to undertake research projects focused on the ongoing improvement of teaching and learning at Hale School. In collaboration with experts from Curtin University, these projects align with the School’s Strategic Plan and identified areas of need. Findings are shared through academic literature or presented at national and international conferences. Current projects include strategies to improve academic engagement in boarding students and the development of emotional intelligence through school culture.
The Frontier Research Review, published in 2026, summarises the research carried out by Hale School staff into teaching and learning. Read the publication HERE.
Research Sprints
The Research Sprints Program offers teachers the opportunity to investigate specific aspects of their practice with the support of a peer mentor. In partnership with the Hale Institute, participants follow a concise, focused process to explore classroom strategies, revitalise their practice, and improve learning outcomes for boys.
To learn more about the Hale Institute for Innovation and Research, email haleinstitute@hale.wa.edu.au.
