'We are all in this together'
Braitling Primary School
By Sue Crowe, Teacher
Background
Braitling School participated in a whole day of mixed activities. Student groups were divided up into small groups of approximately 10-12 students of mixed age groups. Those groups did four rotations of different activities between 9am and 12.30pm. Staff and parent helpers worked on a variety of activities emphasising that different people like different things, have different abilities but can all work together, be inclusive and enjoy each others company.
All Year 5/6 students had the opportunity to lead their student group through the various activities and help the younger students get involved. These Year 5/6 students then were involved in a discussion about their responsibilities as role models, and helpers and leaders, in the school.
At 12.30pm on our designated day, all students, staff and parents went to the oval for a shared picnic lunch with family and friendship groups.
In the afternoon, specific democracy lessons were taught to whole classes. Many classes chose to team up with buddy classes (generally different age levels) for a combined activity and evaluation of the day. The routine of the whole day was changed, and involved all staff members in various roles.
Aims of the event
The title of activity day was 'We are all in this together'. The aim of the event was to involve the whole school in activities around valuing our school and community volunteers, being responsible citizens, and giving everyone a 'fair go'. This works in well with our curriculum focus this year on 'Values for Australian Schooling' - an Australian Government initiative. It is also essential that students have an understanding of community expectations about being an active citizen. Below are the proposed goals and outcomes:
1. Increased awareness of the rights, responsibilities, skills and values required for active citizenship.
2. Increased awareness of how to work in a team, caring for each other and the community.
3. To inform the school community of our continuing work with students with a focus on 'Values'.
4. To involve the school community in preparation for, and activities on, the day.
5. Continuing work done by people in the school, such as volunteers, will be acknowledged.
Event preparation
Firstly, we chose a date that included our pre-service teachers so they could be involved in the planning and preparation for the day. All teachers and pre-service teachers were encouraged to pick an activity to share with their class around the Celebrating Democracy Week theme. Many of the school resources were pooled so that ideas could be discussed and shared. Some classes decided to work with their buddy classes.
The canteen manager was informed of the event and prepared special lunch packs for the shared family picnic lunch. The lunch information and the day's events were advertised to parents through the school newsletter. All staff had regular updates through staff meetings and bulletin messages.
The Year 5/6 students were teamed up to work together as leaders. The students were informed of their roles for the day. A healthy discussion developed.
Staff from the Language Centre were invited to present some cultural sessions to the students.
The implementation of the event
All teaching staff, support staff, pre-service teachers and some Language Centre staff were involved in this special day. We had many families involved in the shared outside picnic lunch. Many of these family members wandered through the classes before and after lunch to be part of the activities.
Student outcomes and evaluation
We think that all proposed outcomes were met and achieved.
Increased awareness of the rights, responsibilities, skills and values required for active citizenship.
There was an increased awareness of the rights, responsibilities, skills and values required for active citizenship because students were working with a range of other students and supporting them. Students were also aware of behavioural expectations and the need to show respect when working with different adults and students. Students were encouraged to listen to others' ideas and opinions and accept that not everyone will always agree but that we all deserve to be treated fairly.
Increased awareness and opportunity of how to work in a team, caring for each other and the community.
This was achieved by students moving around many activities, working with different staff members and students in a safe and positive environment. It was also highlighted in the comments of the Year 5/6 leaders and other students when they reflected on the day.
To inform the school community of our continuing work with students with a focus on 'Values'.
We informed the school community of our continuing work with students with a focus on 'Values' through newsletters, a shared lunch and activities on the day. This work will continue with reflection through the newsletter and follow up from class work and portfolio pieces. This was also discussed at our whole school assembly.
To involve the school community in preparation for and activities on the day.
Many of our parents and school community workers were involved in the preparation for activities on the day.
Continuing work done by people in the school, such as volunteers, will be acknowledged.
It is clear from our displays, discussions held in class and the staff room and the reflection of staff and students that our school has a lot of amazing people that work here. Two activities that clearly showed this were the pile of thank-you cards produced by students for all the people that work in the school such as the crossing lady, canteen staff, janitor, support staff, administration staff, teachers and regular parent helpers - as well as the students taking digital photos of all the workers in the school and putting their job role in a speech bubble (eg. This is Mrs ***** and she helps us when we feel sick or get injured.) Staff were also acknowledged in the newsletter.
Feedback
Staff comments were collected and collated using an electronic survey.
Student comments are summarised and collated on the attached sheet.
Conclusion
The event was a huge success. The mixing of the classes gave students and staff opportunities to work with a wide variety of people, fostering positive interaction and learning. The range of activities chosen meant that students were exposed to many different outcomes.
Some of the outcomes achieved by various activities were:
- An investigation of rights, rules and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated active citizenship.
- Exploration of the concepts of social justice at a local and national level.
- Examination of a range of situations where social inequality exists.
It was noted that all students displayed a high level of engagement and interest in the day. Staff observed the sustained positive behaviour of students during the activities at playtime.