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Project-Based Learning – Jennifer Oaten

Project Based Learning at Santa Maria College Perth

In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital and AI technologies are transforming the workforce landscape. As automation reduces the need for manual skills, the demand for unique human attributes like curiosity, creative thinking, ideation, analytical thinking, and problem-solving is rapidly growing. Knowledge is more accessible than ever before, but how we utilise this knowledge, is what matters most.

Employers now highly value the ability to think creatively and solve complex problems. Skills such as collaborating in teams and effectively communicating ideas and solutions have become essential. Our world faces numerous challenges and needs innovative problem-solvers more than ever.

Enter project-based learning. This dynamic approach gives students the opportunity to develop the crucial skill set required to tackle real-world problems. By focusing on problem-solving, project-based learning provides a strong foundation for young people to unpack challenges, explore different perspectives, and evaluate a range of possible solutions.

Project-based learning is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it in meaningful ways. It equips students with the tools to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing workforce. By fostering these essential skills, we are developing the next generation to navigate and shape the future of our world.

At Santa Maria College, we embrace strategies that engage our students in solving real-world problems because these skills are needed. Our mission states that we “educate young mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world.” We want our students to believe they can enrich our world and make a difference, so providing opportunities to develop their skills and mindset is crucial.

Our emPOWER Program

Our emPOWER Program exemplifies our commitment to Project-Based Learning. This Program engages students from Years 5 – 10 in unique projects each year, focusing on issues that impact people and the planet.

  1. Fearless5: Students investigate environmental challenges and develop an action plan to reduce our ecological footprint in the school or local community.
  2. Spark6: Students utilise technology to improve the world, exploring how emerging technologies can address an issue.
  3. Seek7: Students learn about water sustainability and design solutions to ensure clean water is available to all communities.
  4. Explore8: Students investigate a problem experienced by a person in the community and, using empathy, explore possible solutions.
  5. Strive9: Students collaborate to support marginalised groups in our city, engaging with local communities to understand their needs and develop initiatives that benefit these groups.
  6. Future10: Students learn about financial literacy and investment, promoting responsible and sustainable economic practices.
Students Fearless5 Display
Fearless5

I have witnessed firsthand the power of project-based learning at Santa Maria. One of my most inspiring moments was during our recent Fearless5 project. I saw our Year 5 students passionately present their plans to make our school more environmentally friendly. Their enthusiasm and innovative ideas were impressive; however, the confidence they developed in communicating their ideas to their audience, answering questions and believing in their ability to be changemakers was outstanding.

Students analysing samples obtained during SEEK7
Seek7

Seek7 in Term 2 provided opportunities for students to investigate critical topics such as water conservation, the protection of WA marine ecosystems, and improving access to clean water, among other pressing issues. Students’ engagement, motivation and participation demonstrated their passion for this style of learning, and their proposed solutions indicated their capacity to think big. Some of the designs were excellent prototypes to solve the problem they had identified.

Another memorable experience was during the Strive9 project, where students collaborated in their Homerooms to develop an initiative that would benefit a local community group. The students went out into the community as a team to implement their initiative and what was most rewarding was seeing the impact of the personal stories and interactions with elderly people, refugee children. Or other groups in the community.

"Project-based learning equips students with the tools to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world."

Project-based learning is not just focused on the outcome but also on the process, so reflection along the learning journey is an important aspect. Students self-evaluate and provide feedback to their peers, and staff mentor students to support their learning and provide a more enriching experience.

Our experiences suggest that project-based learning is a powerful tool for preparing students with the skills and confidence to research, develop and communicate innovative solutions to problems. Through these opportunities, students experience the joy of discovery, the challenge of problem-solving, and the satisfaction of contributing to their community.

As parents, your support is invaluable. By encouraging your children to embrace project-based learning, you help them develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Together, we can empower our students to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow. Let’s work hand in hand to provide the best opportunities for their bright futures.

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