Imagine the opportunity to “walk in the shoes of” people in careers connected to one’s school subjects.
Fortunately, students of Hauraki Plains College don’t have to rely on their imagination, following the roll out of a new learning initiative that takes place at the end of each term.
“Do Days” were designed for students to be active in their learning, allowing them space to engage in education that might not normally fit into their regular class setting, such as learning from professionals in the school’s wider community.
Deputy principal Jonathan O’Neil developed the initiative and said it was great to see so many students broaden their understanding of the curriculum by being engaged in these learning experiences.
Assistant curriculum leader of science Rachael Clelland said feedback from her students so far had been overwhelmingly positive, which made the time and effort into planning the extended activities worthwhile.
When asked what a highlight had been so far, Ms Clelland said it was hearing students’ conversations, particularly when they had a “eureka moment”, making connections between theory and real world experience.
Year 10 student Ella Morgan said she liked experiencing new things. Ella’s science class was visited by Gerry Munden from Aerospace Education, who taught students how to build rockets.
“I’d never done that before,” Ella said.
Gerry had all the equipment to launch it up into the air, she said. Ella wasn’t sure about what she wanted to do in the future, so the Do Days were really helpful, she said.
Year 12 student Liarah Anderson said the Do Days helped her spend more time doing what she loved. “I see myself maybe one day owning my own dance studio. I wanna be a dancer.”
For her dance Do Day, Liarah said the teacher from her studio, Thames Hauraki Dance Theatre, visited the school to teach her class a group dance they could use for performances. When asked if there was something interesting Liarah had learned, she said it was seeing a different side to people.
“It’s kind of brought me and my classmates closer together. It really made us bond more,” Liarah said.
“It would be nice to have [Do Days] again in the next term.”
