Classroom Action
Aspire Higher
by Millie C
On the 13th of February, the UPP company came to the ASPS Year 6’s for an all-day incursion called ASPIRE. This incursion had the mission to change the Year 6’s ideas about leadership and to make the Year 6s the best people they could be.
The day started off strong. Everyone gathered around the meeting area, ready for their fun and exciting day with UPP workers Gill and Alana, who did a great job pairing students with people they wouldn't usually work with and made students work and learn with new partners.
Students also learnt about the ripple effect of influencing others. This took place in the playground with a conga line. At the start of recess, the conga line started with just a group of Year 6s, and at the end of play, the conga line started with groups of Year 6s 5s, 4s and trailed behind a big line of Year 1s!
In this amazing learning experience, students have learnt about the importance and benefit of encouraging each other, and they also learnt to do their best because they can influence students younger than them to do the right thing and be their best selves!
So this turned out to be an amazing experience for the Year 6 students!
Aspire Program Stuns Year Sixes
By Lucy D
On the 13th of February, the year six cohort were shocked by the outstanding quality of the Aspire Higher incursion, run by Gill (Gilbert) and Alana from UPP (Unleashing Personal Potential).
They had previously taught the cohort in the Aspire Higher 1, last year. “We all had high expectations for part two of the program, after experiencing the amazing part one, but we were still flabbergasted at how good it could be,” stated a year six student. “It truly was something special.”
The main thing they learnt about was influence. They learnt how to positively influence others around them, as well as different ways people are influenced by both external and internal forces. As leaders of the school, they have the responsibility of influencing all younger students, from the youngest preps, just starting school, to the year fives, already anticipating being in year six.
In addition to influence, they also learnt that being a leader isn’t about a badge, title, or followers that worship you. A true leader is simply the person who steps in front, works with others and helps everyone succeed.
They also participated in multiple team challenges, including Jenga, Jenga towers, whole class skipping rope race and find the path. Working in random groups taught them that it doesn’t matter who is in your group, just how you work together.
Overall, the year sixes had a fun, exciting and educational experience. Thank you UPP!