Project Based Learning has begun

This Tuesday afternoon, saw a train of 172 students wending its way down Robertson Street from St Peter’s to the Calvin Church.  And then the fun (oops, sorry, learning) began!  In allocated groups of four, students played a strategy game using balls.  They had four iterations during which they had to figure out the best way to increase the number of times they could pass the balls from point A to point B.  Because the groups were allocated, many students had never even spoken to each other before – interesting times…
On Wednesday things became even more interesting as each group had to plan and create a prototype of something futuristic in the space of an hour.  Amazing, innovative pairs of shoes, vehicles, rainy day indoor games and even a healthy dinner for a family of four were rustled up out of cardboard, paper and tape and by day three the Calvin auditorium and foyer took on the atmosphere of a bustling marketplace as the students critiqued and exhibited their creations.
It’s incredible to think that in the space of six periods – one school day, the whole of years 8 – 10 created, critiqued and exhibited 42 different mini-projects.  Each one of the students had engaged in the opportunity to reflect effectively on their ability to communicate, collaborate and create as well as plan, re-evaluate and engage in iterative cycles of problem solving. 
Congratulations to every single one of these students – you faced a challenge, you met it head on and over-came it – way to go! 
Bridget Ryan
Deputy Principal