Project promotes key competencies

A South Auckland School has taken the lead in promoting key competencies among its Year Nine and Year 10 students, encouraging in the process talent and enterprise.

Project 72 took the young men and women out of their class for three days and placed them in a variety of situations and ‘adventures,’ enabling the young minds to rise up to the challenges and find solutions.

Assistant Principal Lindy Smith said it was a trial project in preparation for the new system of learning coming into the force next year as a part of the enhancement of the National Certificate for Education Achievement (NCEA).

“Project 72 was aimed at placing the student at the centre of the learning. By giving choices and student driven activities, we hope to enrich the learning for students and strengthen relationships within the school community,” she said.

There were 30 different activities on offer, including Walk like an Egyptian, Wall Art, You Tube Science, Tramping, Fly Fishing, Tree Planting, Yoga, Origami, Surf, Sun and Safety, West Coast Hiking, Man camp, Take flight, Glee Club, Rock On, Computer technicians, Behind the Lens, Sports Marathon, Golf and Waka Ama.

Teachers of Indian origin offered their expertise in culinary art, introducing students to cooking Indian food, napkin folding and salad decoration.

Called, ‘Welcome to Namaste Land,’ this activity encouraged a number of students to experiment several dishes.

An Education Ministry statement said that the new curriculum will make children global classroom learners, identifying five key competencies.

“People use these competencies to live, learn, work, and contribute as active members of their communities. More complex than skills, the competencies draw also on knowledge, attitudes, and values in ways that lead to action. They are not separate or stand-alone,” a Ministry statement said.

The key competencies are Thinking, using Language, symbols and texts, Managing Self, Relating to others and Participation and Contribution.

A number of staff and students alike enjoyed the Indian fare cooked and presented to perfection by the year 9 and year 10 students (aged 13 to 15 years) some of whom were in the kitchen for the first time handling pots and pans. Students were taught how to make entrees, mains and dessert and present them in a restaurant style fashion.

Student reaction was enthusiastic.

Year 10 student Aderlynne Staunton said, “I loved project 72 as it was a different way of learning during the three days.”

Danielle Smith said, “It was great to see the other side and the fun side of the teachers during the project.”

Jamie Ronaldson, who attended the ‘Man Camp,’ felt that it was a good way to learn, as it was a hands-on approach rather than the classroom read and write approach.

Eseta Latu, another student said, “I loved interacting and making friends with a new  group of students.”

From a report by Sutapa Mukund, Teacher (Gifted and Talented Educational Coordinator), Papatoetoe High School in Manukau City, Auckland.