This week in Secondary we launched Project Based Learning* (PBL) which is heavily influenced by the approach taken by STEAM and the collaboration NAE has with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Up until this point the year 11s have been following a typical timetable consisting of 8 periods where pupils have been learning and teachers teaching through google classroom. The approach to Virtual Schooling in Secondary has been nothing short of remarkable with wellbeing at the heart of everything but also academic rigour. But.......
......the time has come for the year 11s to step over to the IB side and embrace a slightly different way of learning with less emphasis on teaching. This is a learning process where pupils are at the centre of their learning where they have high levels of agency which means in IB language for pupils being in control of their own learning. Choice is important and our year 11s have been spending the week approaching teachers to pitch their ideas for their projects. Today is the first day for them to begin their learning journey so good luck!!!
*Project based learning:
Launch of project
Pupils choose a topic in one of their DP subjects e.g Biology, that interests them that will benefit society e.g washing your hands properly.
Ask/inquire
Come up with 6 questions that they don't know the (full) answer to and that begin with the words who, what, where, when, why and how? (they must use each one) e.g how do germs spread on our hands?
Imagine
Use their imagination in how they may present the answers to their questions e.g a vlog.
Plan
Come up with 3 ideas and choose their favourite.
Create (creative thinking)
Produce their favourite product idea.
Experiment/evaluate (critical thinking)
Test and evaluate their product (WWW/EBI) e.g sample 5 people as an audience.
Improve (creative thinking)
Make adjustments based on the evaluation.
Communication
Launch of product e.g a video on guidance of how to wash hands properly.
During the project
Pupils need to be writing a reflection journal (daily) during the process focusing on What Went Well (WWW)/Even Better If (EBI).
Assessment will be partly self assessment based on our growth mindset 4 point scale.
4 = exceptional growth mindset
3 = strong growth mindset
2 = developing a growth mindset
1 = below your own expectations
The teacher also gives feedback based on the IB 1 - 7 scale also with a WWW/EBI comment.
