Teaching and Learning

Digital Technologies Update

As discussed in Issue Four of the College Newsletter, this semester marks the introduction of Minecraft (Education Edition) in the 7-9 Digital Technologies curriculum. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with students of all abilities being able to inclusively participate and access the set activities. Minecraft has enabled the development of open-ended tasks where students work collaboratively to design and develop builds in response to specifications. I have found that the level of thought particularly when presented with a task that does not explicitly outline instructions step-by-step is astonishing. Tasks such as this allow students to truly demonstrate their understanding in their own way, promoting problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking.

Last term, students created their own algorithmic game in Minecraft, where they were tasked with collaboratively designing a game where there was a clear objective with logical and orderly steps to achieve that objective. This term, we have further built on this understanding by utilising the Code Builder functionality in Minecraft Education Edition. The Code Builder functionality allows students to use a coding language (e.g. Scratch, Microsoft MakeCode) to program a virtualised character (called an "Agent") to automate tasks (e.g. building and movement).

As part of their assessment task, students were required to design their own obstacle course or challenge, where they then had to program the Agent to complete it from start to finish in one run. Please feel free to click here to view the playlist of sample worlds that students have created

It is an exciting time for Digital Technologies at Sandringham College, with the introduction of Digital Technology at Year 7 to complement our existing Year 9 elective subject which focuses on specific areas such as programming and databases. Year 8 students will broaden their understanding of Digital Technologies as part of the new STEAM program

Aaron Brown

eLearning Coach / Digital Technologies Teacher 7-9

ADVANCE Update

The ADVANCE program at the Bluff Road 7-9 Campus is a learning enrichment program designed to support students in the development of literacy skills. The program is flexible, offering individualised support to each student based on need. There is a focus on supporting students to strengthen their literacy across the curriculum, as well as build cross curricular competencies, such as research skills, information literacy and library skills.

In addition to working on subject specific literacies, ADVANCE students have had the opportunity to produce written work on topics of their choosing. In Semester 1 students planned, created and edited presentations on an area of interest. They then shared their passions with their peers and teachers. In Semester 2, students have explored the features of non-fiction texts. They have been utilising their research skills to find out about a new area of interest and are working on producing their own non-fiction texts.

The program provides students with an opportunity to build their confidence and knowledge in a supportive environment. The ADVANCE teachers have very much enjoyed the opportunity to work with and observe the growth of our students throughout this year.

Mariah Cantone, Christine Coldbeck and Liam Small

ADVANCE Program Teachers