The Learner Strengths are an important part of the Junior School Philosophy and underpin all of the work that we do in the Junior School.
They were created for the Peter Carnley context with the Visible Learning Theory by John Hattie as an evidence base. Students develop capabilities in Strength of Heart, Strength of Growth, Strength of Mind, Strength of Collaboration and Strength of Self. It is important that the skills and attributes encompassed in the Learner Strengths are visible and relatable to students so that they are a part of monitoring and assessing how they are progressing in each area. The Learner Strengths are celebrated at our Junior School assemblies, with our Learner Strength song and are displayed throughout the school in every classroom. Last year we finalised out Learner Strength Continuums to show visible behaviours at each developmental level.
On Friday 13 February the Junior School participated in Learner Strengths Day. Each cohort was presented with a challenge that was based in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and required the students to use all of their Learner Strength skills to solve it.
The challenges were:
| YEAR GROUP | CHALLENGE | CURRICULUM LINKS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kindergarten
|
Rosie's Walk
|
Technology - Design Process, English - Reading
|
|
Pre Primary
|
A House for Kingsley
|
Technology - Materials, English - Writing
|
|
Year 1
|
Shadow Puppets
|
Physical Science - Light, Mathematics- Measurement
|
|
Year 2
|
Transport for Treasure
|
Physical Science - Push and Pull, English - Writing
|
|
Year 3
|
Hexabug Maze
|
Mathematics - Mapping, Technology - Materials
|
|
Year 4
|
Bridge Challenge
|
Physical Science - Forces, Technology - Materials
|
|
Year 5
|
Black Cockatoo Nesting Boxes
|
Technology - Materials, HASS - Animal conservation
|
|
Year 6
|
Water Filters
|
Science - Biological Science, HASS - Global Sustainability Goals
|
The classrooms came alive with energy and enthusiasm! The students were also challenged to be sustainable and use only materials that were recycled from home. Students worked in teams to complete and test their solutions, knowing that each solution that didn’t work was a part of the learning process. A sharing session was held at the end of the day for students to reflect on their process and their learning. It was pleasing to see so many students stretching their thinking, challenging themselves and engaging in problem solving tasks. Thank you to all of the Junior School teachers for providing such a rich experience of STEM.
Ms Kierin Janes
Head of Junior School