Learning at St Columbas

Student Agency and Action

Nothing warms my heart more as an educator than hearing about students who fall in love with what they are learning and want to share it with the wider community. This is exactly what happened over the recent school holidays.

As Term 3 wrapped up, some Year 3 students put their passion for writing into practice by creating their own books at the end of their Reading Like a Writer unit. They began writing, and to our surprise, they were inspired by the movie Revenge of the Nerds. As educators, we know students connect most deeply when they are genuinely interested, and tapping into their passions is key to success. As an IB PYP school mapping our teaching to the Victorian Curriculum, we provide explicit lessons where students not only learn skills but also develop a love of writing. We know learning is never one-size-fits-all. While our literacy approach provides a strong, structured foundation, its real power comes from giving students the chance to apply those core skills to areas they care about.

In the IB PYP, student action can take five distinct forms: participation, advocacy, lifestyle choices, social justice, and social entrepreneurship. Over the break, our Year 3 students delivered a brilliant demonstration of social entrepreneurship and participation. With support from their teacher, Miss Ruby,, who printed and bound their creations into official books, these students took full ownership of their learning. Over the break, they planned, put up promotional posters around the area, and set up a pop-up bookshop outside Luna Park, complete with homemade cupcakes baked by one of their wonderful parents. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and they sold over 60 copies directly to community members.

That passion for writing extended even further across our school. Shortly after, a Prep student proudly came to show me a book he made over the holidays. Inspired by his favourite book series, ‘Dogman’, he wrote his story and, with his parents' support, had it scanned and published.

When we reflect on what we want for our children, developing 21st-century skills, building confidence, and fostering a genuine excitement for taking action these examples from Prep and Year 3 show what is possible when learning is authentic, purposeful and allows for student choice. This is why an IB PYP education truly fits and empowers every learner.

Graphic generated with AI assistance

Nicole Spence

PYP Coordinator

Year 3 Students

Prep Book