In the classroom 

The MITS classroom has been an extraordinary learning space in recent weeks.  The students have been completing greater volumes of work and their level of engagement has lifted significantly as they have settled into the routine and habits of the classroom. 

This was highlighted by the Environmental Expo held on the 18th September.  Students were able to showcase their learning digitally, via Padlet (Padlet is a digital platform that we are using to showcase the students' work and also allow real time feedback to be given to them by both peers and teachers), through a range of subject areas and modes of communication. Over 40 adults attended ranging from MITS staff, parents, NT Department of Education staff and of course newly elected Member for Johnston – Joel Bowden.  The students confidently shared their work and requested feedback to be provided on Padlet.  

Members of the NT Department of Education Transition Support Unit who attended were so impressed by the Expo that they have since returned to observe the classroom and commented on how engaged the students were and how impressed they were by the innovative delivery of the learning program. They have asked to meet with Michael and Bella to better understand how the TSU might be able to share their teaching approaches through the schools they support.

A silver lining to the Darwin Hub has been the structure of the classroom and the ability to split groups of students in almost every session.  Guided Reading is ability grouped, Maths is ability grouped and writing sessions are structured with adult support on each table.  

Last week, the students met with the teaching teams from the schools they will be attending in 2021 and confidently shared their 'This is me' presentations that they have been working on over the last few weeks.  They did an incredible job and the partner schools have commented on how confident the students were presenting and talking about their learning journey this year.

In the coming weeks as the school year draws to a close, Michael and Bella have planned an incredible learning program that will allow the students to reflect on what an unforgettable journey they have been on in 2020.

Ryan Martin