Academic News

As part of the academic programme, the Grade 8 students completed their Project-Based Learning module. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching approach designed to engage students in projects that create authentic, meaningful, and collaborative learning experiences. It aims to develop students’ skills required to succeed in high school - these include research, time management, ways to provide feedback effectively and managing group dynamics. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to complete a project that is of interest to them and create opportunities for them to be extended beyond the curriculum. The initial project completed by the Grade 8s involved the construction of a straw bridge. The focus of this project was to introduce students to the learning routines that would be implemented throughout the module. Thereafter, the students had the opportunity to select a project of interest to complete.

The projects on offer included: 

Mouse Trap Car - in this project students needed to design and construct a car that utilises a mouse trap to drive it forward. The project introduced students to the design processes as well as introducing concepts around forces
Puppets Project - in this project students investigated how puppets can discuss or make comment on important, and sometimes, controversial topics. They make designed and made puppets and then scripted and performed a puppet show around a taboo topic.
Tourism Project - the students were tasked with planning and designing a holiday. The project introduced important skills such as research and budgeting to the students. Finally, the students presented their project by making a creative video.
Let’s Do IT - in this project the students were introduced to some of the technology available at the College. Students were exposed to coding using the Cubroid and Code.Org applications. They also had the opportunity to design an item on TinkerCad and make use of the 3D printers to print it.

We are proud of the high standard of work achieved by our Grade 8 students throughout the PBL process and commend them for their efforts.