TCE Student Directed Inquiry Level 3

TCE Student Directed Inquiry Level 3

What will I learn?

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore in an area of personal interest through independent study. The Inquiry will be in greater depth than inquiries within existing senior secondary subjects and will involve students in working across traditional learning areas to make connections between bodies of knowledge. The largely self-paced style of learning will allow students to work beyond a strictly timetabled time allocation. Students are expected to spend 150 hours on the project, including the time spent gaining the necessary research and management skills.

The aim of the course is to challenge students to set themselves learning goals that will enable them to:

• take responsibility for their learning and reflect on the learning process
• make connections with others and between bodies of knowledge
• act autonomously and independently
• manage a project and project-based research
• manage their learning
• communicate effectively

The outcome of the Inquiry will be a product or a report, together with a documented record of the learning/construction process. These will be presented to an assessment panel at the end of the project. The course is available to Year 12 students, though you must possess the technical and literacy skills required for your individual study. If you are interested in undertaking a Student Directed Inquiry, you will need to complete a study proposal, under the guidance of a staff member who will act as your supervisor for the Inquiry.

As a first step, arrange through your tutor to talk to Jill Ramm or Adam Chambers. At this stage we do not expect you to have a clear project in mind, but it would be helpful to have identified a possible area of interest!

Why should I consider this course?

Student Directed Inquiry provides opportunities for learners to undertake research, solve problems, communicate ideas, and manage their workload and learning in a personalised, authentic and meaningful context. Students are provided the unique opportunity to study a key area of interest to them beyond what is offered by other TCE subjects. 

What Skills does this course provide?

Key skills developed through the Student Directed Inquiry include time management, research and evaluating evidence, communication, planning and organising, working autonomously and collaboratively, working ethically, problem solving and decision making.

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

 The skills learners develop in Student Directed Inquiry will be transferable to further education, employment and living a fulfilling life. The inquiry product may also be used as evidence as part of a portfolio entry to university.