Curriculum Planning Guidelines – Phase 3: Implementation
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Whole school – Case Study: Science is jumping at Commercial Road Primary School
School: Commercial Road Primary School
Location: Morwell
Students: 250
Commercial Road Primary School (CRPS) has embraced new trends in science teaching. The school has developed a new approach which draws on students’ interest and knowledge. Excursions, community events and new technologies are now an everyday part of teaching science at the school, supported by units of work adapted from Primary Connections.
The School’s Morwell River Wetlands project has been the key to its success. In 2000, Science Coordinator Max Sargent established the project providing a focus for the development of the science curriculum, and through a study of frogs, a gateway to the environment.
School background
Student engagement and well being are priorities at CRPS. Through a focus on the Principles of Learning and Teaching P-12 (PoLT), the school has sought to develop active teacher involvement in their professional learning. The ‘thinking curriculum’ is incorporated across all grade levels. Students are encouraged in personal goal setting and have access to an extensive ICT program.
Frogs as a focus
The school first became involved in the wetlands project through the Science in Schools (SiS) initiative. Connections were made with other schools in the area and an exciting relationship developed with the Oregon State Schools network in America.
The study of frogs has found students engaged in practical, meaningful work that extends beyond the classroom. Through the project, children have become involved with their families, the local community and environmental agencies.
The project has encompassed: field trips, family nights, a new website, creating classroom ponds and developing new curriculum units.
The development of community partnerships is one of many positive outcomes. The school has worked closely with environmental agency Waterwatch, who provide qualified water testers and equipment to gauge water quality in the school pond.
Achievements
A core structure of activities has enabled science to flourish at CRPS. These include:
- partnerships developed with local schools to source funding and joint activities
- using the environment to discover opportunities to explore real-life science
- maintaining a culture of science and interest through classroom ponds, the school garden, wetland visits, family nights and developing curriculum units
- establishing a website with online activities and resources
- introducing Primary Connections
- reviewing teaching practice through PoLT.
See: Primary Connections (http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections)
Contact
Contact: Max Sargent
Email: sargent.max.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
Telephone:
(03) 5134 2329