Applied Learning
Stage 4
Genius Hour = Passion Projects!!
As a collective group of students, ALL of Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8) have spent Term 4 diving deep into researching and DESIGNING their individual project with a vested interest - their PASSION. It has been a very interesting journey for all of our students and an exciting one, tapping into what inspires them and / or interests them.
The individual projects, enhanced by our students' abilities to showcase their skills in Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking and Creativity, were supported by their peers in support groups. It goes without saying that many of our students found their voice and expressed what drives them, inspires them and to articulate productive suggestions and feedback to each other.
An inherent feature of our students' learning was ‘learning through reflection’. At each benchmark, students were set tasks to complete, seek out feedback from peers and their teachers, reflect on their learning progress and sit and meet with their teacher to brief them on their progress (not unlike the real world of work).
Applied Learning in Term 4 has allowed our students to develop their enterprise skills (problem solving, prioritisation, strategic thinking, working independently, being able to communicate professionally) which are transferable, meaning, these are skills that Year 7 and 8 can use and develop further in their other subjects.
Here is some wonderful feedback on our students' journey in Term 4 and we hope you enjoy the success stories!
Driving Question:“How to feel relaxed while baking?”
Year 7 - Maya Riley
Driving Question: “How can I make a traditional Aboriginal meal?"
Year 8 - Laura Matthews
Laura completed her project and designed, made and shared your final product with her family:
“Pickled Rainforest Cherry Chocolate Pie” Congratulations!!
Driving Question: “How to create a video to promote my youtube channel?”
Year 8 - Taj Johnstone
Driving Question: "What can be baked and go into a care package?"
Year 7 - Claire Petersen
Driving Question: How to decorate cakes!
Year 8 - Ella Brunsdon
Why are Authentic and REAL (Real, Engaging, Authentic Learning) Projects important for a ‘Growth Mindset’ for our students in Stage 4 Applied Learning?
‘Carol Dweck’ (one of the world’s leading researcher on motivation and mindsets) says it best when she says:
“Certainly, effort is key for students’ achievement, but it is not the only thing. Students need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they’re stuck. They need this repertoire of approaches - not just sheer effort - to learn and improve”.
What is a Digital Portfolio?
Moving forward into 2022……
A portfolio is a collection of various projects, experiences, skills, or any other thing you want to showcase. But physical portfolios are a thing of the past. Today everything is online and easily accessible and that is what portfolios should be too. Digital portfolios are exactly the same as physical portfolios, except that they are electronic, or in simple terms, present on the web. If you are a student or a working professional, having a digital portfolio will make you stand out. This is because everyone has a resume today and anyone can draft a cover letter. But showcasing your skills through a digitalized medium makes you look creative and more importantly, tech-savvy.
Mrs Jay-marie Blue
Head Teacher
Applied Learning