2A News

Semester 2, 2020 saw an exciting chapter for the Year 2 boys and Mrs Alexander. This term we initiated a unique learning opportunity in partnership with FORM, through their exciting and innovative Creative Schools programme. Working alongside Daniel Burton from Educated by Nature, Mrs Alexander worked and planned to create a stimulating outdoor learning programme.

Creative Schools is a non-profit organisation that focuses on the partnership between a creative practitioner and teacher to enhance students' academic learning and creative skills in non-traditional learning environments. The partnership between Mrs Alexander and Mr Burton was based on the two teachers' knowledge and understanding of how important the outdoor environment is for children's learning.

Several international studies have demonstrated that learning in a natural environment helps improve recall of information, creative problem solving and creativity. It allows children to have a sense of wonder and develop their imagination and inquisitive nature. Outdoor learning develops the child's social-emotional regulation and enables them to have positive feelings about each other, their learning environment and a sense of ownership and responsibility for nature. Importantly, outdoor space also gives children a real sense of independence, allowing them to develop naturally and safely.

Another focus for the Year 2 boys was the 'Five Habits of the Learning'. The Creative Schools programme also explores the concept that to have a healthy mind, five habits need to be enhanced. These habits are persistence, discipline, inquisitiveness, collaboration and creativity. To succeed and be mentally healthy children need to develop these five areas. Term 3 saw the introduction of the five habits of the mind. After each Creative Schools session, the boys reflected on the habit they had used the most and what habit they need to keeping working on. It has been very exciting watching these habits, and their benefits, grow and develop in boys so young.

Beach School, River School and outdoor areas of Scotch College became the new classroom. The children would investigate the central idea of a Unit of Inquiry whilst working outdoors. Over the term, Mrs Alexander and Mr Burton saw gains in numerous areas: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, creativity in writing, social and emotional awareness, and maturity.

With the success of the Creative Schools programme and a love of learning blossoming within the outdoor classrooms, we look forward to embracing these programs and philosophies in the teaching program in 2021.

Mrs Fiona Alexander
Year 2 Teacher