VPC Excursion

VPC Eastland Excursion

Building meaningful relationships through instruction that meets the needs of our students in both Literacy and Numeracy embodies our vision in the Victorian Pathways Certificate at Wantirna College. A growing body of research highlights both the need for, and importance of, teachers to know their students better in order to personalise their learning and provide appropriate differentiation.

On Friday 17 March, our VPC students were excited to attend an excursion to Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood. Students completed a range of Literacy focussed activities such as team building, navigating through spaces (using reading comprehension strategies and inference), understanding digital texts and workplace messages, and understanding how visual and auditory cues and language, of different text types, create meaning for a range of audiences.  These promoted a variety of skills and outcomes

To develop their Numeracy skills, students firstly focused on personal Numeracy, specifically, being able to find location and direction in relation to everyday, familiar places within the vicinity. Secondly, to find locations and direction with every day simple and familiar maps and technologies, and finally, an additional focus was on everyday, informal oral language. To further support their understanding of financial numeracy, students were asked to compare simple numbers in context, such as matching prices from receipts to shelf items.

Once the Literacy Scavenger Hunt and Numeracy Activities were completed, students were rewarded with a recreational activity of Ten Pin Bowling. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were responsible and respectful throughout the day. 

The following extracts from our students in their reflection, capture their engagement and enthusiasm. 

Student A. I acquired how to locate specific shops and discounts. I enjoyed the day. I particularly enjoyed bowling and spending time with my friends.

Student B. During the excursion I learned about Literacy and Numeracy skills. I learned about discounts, and I learned some important information about the various shops in the shopping centre.  I enjoyed each activity and spending time with my classmates.

Student C. On Friday morning the VPC students met at Ringwood station at 9:00 AM for an excursion. We walked into Eastland and completed our Literacy and Numeracy activity. I learned that the prices of things are now very expensive.

Student D. Starbucks and the Coffee Club are similar types of cafes in that they both sell coffee and bakery items. Starbucks is more of an open style café that younger people would choose over The Coffee Club. Starbucks sells different, interesting and unique flavours of coffee and unique drinks such as strawberry lemonade and refreshing caramel frappes. 

This excursion embodies the idea of applied learning as outlined from VCAA: 'Applied learning involves students engaging in authentic and motivating learning experiences. It is a method of learning where theoretical information comes to life for students when in a real-world context that relates directly to their own future, is within their own control and is within an environment where they feel safe and respected. Students' knowledge grows and expands as they take action to learn, reflect on that action and plan how to do it better next time.'

Debbie Mantzanidis

& Leanne Wilson