Teacher professional learning

From 2018 to 2025, Sydney Metro and Western Sydney University partnered to establish a teacher professional learning program for schools near Sydney Metro. 

The professional learning was developed and delivered by Professor Catherine Attard and Dr Nathan Berger from the Centre for Education Research at Western Sydney University. 

The purpose of the program was to develop capacity of teachers to develop and deliver learning experiencing using the Sydney Metro project as context.  

In 2020, the program was Highly Commended in the NSW Awards for Planning Excellent for Cutting Edge Research and Teaching.  

Sydney Metro completed the final phase of its professional learning program for teachers in June 2025. Delivered in partnership with Western Sydney University, the initiative ran from 2018 to 2024 and reached 146 teachers across 58 schools. It resulted in 12 published teaching units and positively impacted more than 4,150 students. 

Professor Attard from Western Sydney University said that the scale of the Sydney Metro project means that every curriculum area was represented, and students had direct experience of the transformation that infrastructure projects bring to their local communities. 

Professor Attard and Dr Berger have published three research reports, 2019, 2022, 2025  and journal article. The reports indicate high levels of student engagement, and the positive impact that an authentic context had on teaching and learning.  

"It was evident from the student focus group discussions and lesson observations that the students had increased their knowledge about the Sydney Metro and specific curriculum content. They also improved their soft skills such as collaboration and critical thinking. The students were able to discuss many elements of the Sydney Metro project and along with the impact the project would have on their current and future lives."

Students from primary to high school valued the experience and opportunity to engage with industry experts. Students reported that they were able to develop transferable skills such as collaboration, communication, and technological proficiency through participation in the program.