The Junior School ask themselves the BIG question, "What's My Story?"

Big Ideas is an interdisciplinary programme through which students have the opportunity to come to a greater understanding of themselves, their community and the world in which they live. The real world is not divided into separate areas of study and to engage with the world requires knowledge of how all areas of study are linked. 

In Big Ideas students will be given opportunities to:

Focus on deep learning in meaningful, connected contexts.

Solve problems

Think critically, creatively and laterally

Develop a range of literacies

Develop independent learning skills

Reflect on learning

Grow in social and emotional competence

Become spiritually aware

Thursday afternoons in the Junior School will see students explore, connect and reflect on a big question throughout the term. The question being asked is, "What's my story?" Students will work in small groups across year levels to answer the question. The Kindergarten and Pre Primary students will combine, as will the Year One and Two students. 

With the help of Google Earth the students were eager to find out more about what things make up their community. Mrs Tucker helped the students to find the Early Learning Centre building then zoomed out to identify other buildings at Holy Cross College, the streets and the main shops of Ellenbrook, then Perth, WA, Australia as well as other countries of the world. Mrs Ryan's amazing video provoked students to think about the questions, "Who am I?", "Where do I belong?", and "What's my story?".

       

The Year One and Two students began their learning journey by brainstorming what the children's thoughts were around the topic. In the initial discussions the students suggested that it means: family, themselves, our environment, how we are different and why we live where we do. These responses will be questions which will be focused on in more depth during the term. For the first activity they designed a silhouette with all things that are important to them. Families will be the focus for next week.

The Kindergarten and Pre Primary students investigated "all about me" by completing hand print paintings, portraits of a friend, eye colour graphing, measuring height, name writing, and traced body shapes with chalk on the pavement.

Week Six will see all of the students to continue to explore their big question during Curriculum Enrichment Week. During Week Nine and Ten the students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning. 

Miss Melissa Croswell

Head of Junior School

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