Applied Learning
I would like to extend my welcome to Ms Leah Pappin and Mrs Michelle Woodland, our Stage 4 Applied Learning Teaching Faculty for 2021. Both teachers come to Henry Kendall High School with strong Project Based Learning and Wellbeing, innovative teaching & learning experience as well as a dedication and commitment to teaching 21st century skills.
As we celebrate our first year delivering to Stage 4, the faculty would like to congratulate Year 7 and Year 8 for an extremely positive start to 2021. Students are settling in well and will no doubt be successful learners in Applied Learning.
A core focus of Applied Learning will be the formative assessment of the 5 C’s for 21st Century Learners. What are the 5 C’S? The 5 C’s are learning dispositions that prepare students across curriculum areas with skills and capabilities to thrive in a rapidly changing and interconnected world. The term 'learning dispositions', sometimes called 'habits of mind' or 'dispositions to learning', refer to the way in which learners engage in and relate to the learning process. Learning dispositions affect how students approach learning and therefore the outcomes of their learning.
The 5 C’s encompass Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Citizenship.
The Applied Learning curriculum delivery for Stage 4, 2021 is transdisciplinary, meaning each term, students will be working on projects in ‘huddle’ teams that encompass 2–4 key learning areas such as Math, Science, English, History, Geography, Technology Mandatory, PDHPE, Music, Visual Arts and Language. Learning will be cross-curricular as students participate in Project Based Learning that will provide a rich, authentic experience for all of our Stage 4 students as they solve REAL (Real Engaging Authentic Learning) World Problems.
Term 1 Stage 4 Projects - Year 7
Project Based Learning (PBL) Driving Question: “How can we teach students at Henry Kendall High School to be resilient and maintain a positive wellbeing?”
HOOK EVENT / Project Launch: During Week 2, Year 7 participated in their first Hook Event with guest experts in adolescent wellbeing, RYSS (Regional Youth Support Services). Our students were provided with a range of examples of what is good wellbeing and participated in engaging, hands on learning activities by the RYSS Team. This entry event has provided our Year 7 students with their first ‘need to know’ as they work towards their final product which will be showcased towards the end of Term 1. Congratulations Year 7!
Term 1 Stage 4 Projects - Year 8
PBL Driving Question: “How can we educate our community to use water more efficiently on the Central Coast?”
We would like to say thank you to Mr Paul Clemens, Environmental Education Officer at Central Coast Council for providing his expert knowledge and advice on Water Sustainability on the Central Coast. As Year 8 students were launched into their first Applied Learning Project this year. Studying at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, USA (B.A. Science, Wildlife Management / Ecology) Paul shared his passion for water conservation and sustainability and the reasons why the Central Coast, as a regional area, is working towards improved water usage practices and infrastructure.
Year 8 also participated in hands on, engaged learning and challenged our students in asking "How can we educate our community to use water more efficiently on the Central Coast"?
We look forward to Paul returning to present to Year 8 a Virtual Tour of Mardi Dam and also towards the end of Term 1 as Year 8 showcase their final products.
Student of the Week
Applied Learning Faculty Award
Each week, one student will be nominated by their Applied Learning teacher as Stage 4 Student of The Week! Recognising student achievement is important at Henry Kendall High School as we acknowledge student success and perseverance in their learning. It’s all about achieving our personal best and personal growth in our learning!
Make sure you check your letterbox as the recognition award is mailed out weekly!
Term 1 Award Winners
Week 2: Rachel Davis, 7E
Week 3 – Leah Harrison 8N
Mrs Jay-marie Blue
Head Teacher
Applied Learning