The DaviS Centre
COnnection, Resources and Support 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.
We nurture faith and foster an environment of care and respect for the dignity of the whole person, promoting spiritual growth and service to others through grace and integrity.
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 is named after GYC’s first Principal, Sister Pamela Davis OP.
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 Writers Express Program: library-facilitated poetry workshops
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.
Digital Futures
Staying abreast of rapid changes in digital technology to enhance learning and teaching is a key focus area at the Davis Centre. As digital tools continue to evolve, our work has expanded to support staff and students in developing essential skills for navigating this landscape safely and effectively.
Currently, Davis Centre staff are researching best practices for integrating emerging technologies into the classroom. This includes identifying and recommending effective AI tools, developing professional learning programs, and promoting digital literacy and online safety to ensure responsible and informed technology use in education.
Davis Centre Research branch news
Catch up on all the latest news and exciting new projects from the Davis Centre Team
Meet Our Research Leader
Academic Research Leader – Daniel Purton
Daniel is an experienced information and knowledge management professional with a diverse background spanning the education, government, and private sectors. He holds postgraduate qualifications in communications, media studies, and information management.
As the Academic Research Leader in the Davis Centre, Daniel is committed to supporting GYC students in both their academic journey and personal development. His focus is on equipping students with the skills and confidence to make thoughtful, positive contributions to their communities.
His personal interests include photography, cinema, gaming and music, including collecting books on these topics for his home library.