Electives to enlighten and engage

Details: Published: 24 February 2020

Teacher Kylie Hoskin and My 2040 students Brodie and Drew with household items that have been up-cycled as a bird feeder and mobile phone holder.

Year 9 classes at ��Ů�� (��Ů��) have never been so creative with a record 80 elective subjects being taught this year at the school’s Mooroopna campus.

For students, it’s a case of being spoilt for choice with subjects as wide-ranging as Criminology to Lego Robotics to the role of women in war.

All of the subjects aid students in core subject areas like Health, Humanities, Science and Mathematics. The Fantasy AFL elective, for example, allows students to apply mathematics and problem-solving to analyse sporting statistics, deal with injuries and conduct trades to become a successful team manager.

For teachers, the focus on delivering a diverse range of Year 9 electives has allowed them to develop courses around their personal interests and areas of expertise.

Megan Michalaidis, Associate Principal of Teaching and Learning at ��Ů��, said she was impressed by the dedication, passion and creative ideas teachers had in developing the electives throughout last year.

“Now that the electives are under way at the Mooroopna campus, I’m impressed by how students are enjoying the variety of subjects and some of the amazing activities going on in our classrooms, outdoors and on field trips.”

Megan said finding new and innovative ways to inspire children in their education had particular importance around Year 9, an age where students can often disengage from the traditional classroom routine.

Elective case study one – My 2040: Saving the Planet

The elective developed by experienced science teacher Kylie Hoskin challenges students to imagine life in 2040 if we were able to apply the best solutions now available to improve the health of our planet.

“I was inspired by Damon Gameau, who produced the documentary 2040,” Kylie said. “I wanted to develop a subject that was hopeful and helpful amid all the concern around Climate Change.”

Through a combination of hands-on investigation and learning, My 2040 explores the differences between weather and climate, studies alternative energy solutions and looks at ways we can be ethical consumers, reduce waste and improve farming sustainability.

Kylie, who studied zoology in university, is “a dairy farmer’s daughter” and has taught science for 16 years, said she was able to combine her interests and personal experience in developing the elective.

As part of their studies, students will learn to upcycle – creating a new use for a redundant product that might otherwise end up in landfill.

“In partnership with Australian charity SolarBuddy, we will also assemble solar light kits and write to students who live in countries that lack safe and reliable lighting,” Kylie said.

My 2040 will also take the students into their own backyard, with field trips to farms and Dookie College where soil science and composting methods are being used to rehabilitate the land and improve yields.

Elective case study two – Café Culture

Learning has never tasted so good at Mooroopna Campus with a range of electives on food preparation, presentation and understanding how we get from paddock to plate.

One of the more unique is Café Culture, where students gain hospitality skills while serving up fresh fast food, brunches, lunches and barista-quality coffee.

Teacher and qualified chef Damian Townsend said the elective was first offered last year and is about building confidence and skills.

“We had a young student last year who was lacking in confidence and now she has a job in hospitality,” Damian said.

Café Culture is applied learning in action, with students examining global trends, the emergence of fair trade certification and the impact food miles have on the environment.

At the same time, the course involves students running a school café, with students operating several espresso machines.

“It’s self-directed learning,” Damian said. “The students have to manage the café and they make up rosters.”

Damian said initially, gourmet coffee was provided free to staff. However now, with the students gaining very good barista skills, teachers are purchasing coffee cards allowing them 10 coffees for $25.

Students completing the course also receive an immediate practical benefit: a record of attainment from TAFE on espresso coffee preparation and food hygiene and safety.

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