Hands on Learning

Entering the shed at the beginning of the year is always a complex experience. There is a mix of excitement, nervousness, eagerness and hesitation. Each year there is a change of enrolments, which means new students and new teams. This year is no different, and we are lucky enough to have grown the program to include a whole additional day. Donning the hi-vis with steel caps laced up tight, new students from years 8-10 wait patiently for the shed door to open.

We start our day with a quiet check in, making sure we pay attention to how everyone is feeling, as this will inform how we work and what we need from each other throughout the day. With a mug of hot chocolate in hand and breakfast in our belly, we set our group ‘focus plan’. These first few weeks have seen us focussing on connecting with each other and building our team spirit. 

Wednesday’s group worked on, ‘encouraging each other’, cheering each other on when we did well at something.

Thursday’s group worked on, ‘offering to help when we can’, ensuring we stay busy and being aware of everyone in the group.

Friday’s group worked on, ‘communicating and getting to know each other’, so that we can be an efficient team. 

The students set these goals themselves with support from staff.  They use them to structure the day and help deal with any ups and downs. 

All students are building their own custom pigeonholes, to store work boots or backpacks. We needed to take down a herringbone feature wall to measure the space, cut plywood to size, drill pilot holes and hammer in nails. All the students were absolute rock stars, spending time building confidence with basic hand tools and helping each other out. 

We haven’t quite mounted them on the wall yet, but some of the custom designs look very impressive!

After a game or two of basketball and the loud crash of our giant Jenga set, we sit and reflect on our day in the shed. One last check in ensures we are all feeling safe and leaving with a smile, even if it is has been a hard day, and we go home ready to tackle another project next week.