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On 16 August, Scotch College was presented with a National Literacy and Numeracy Week 2007 Excellence Award by the Australian Government Minister for Education, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, in an Awards ceremony held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra.
This prestigious Award was bestowed on Scotch College due to the unique approach adopted by the College to continually engage and motivate Scotch students to achieve their best. All co-educational students are continually inspired by our enthusiastic teachers to actively participate in the learning process, and modern technologies and innovative practices offered to support this approach.
The Scotch approach was designed to engage students in developing numeracy skills and to demonstrate their literacy through investigating a mystery using mathematical concepts. Challenging Year 10 students to make CSI-Scotch, using mathematics to solve a crime, also involved integrating the curriculum areas of Mathematics, English and the Arts. A scenario was provided with five clues and an assessment plan developed for each. Students worked collaboratively to complete their assessment tasks and the actors and film-makers (students) coordinated the making of the movie. The concepts covered (Ratio, Statistics, Function Fitting, Linear Equations and Simultaneous Equations), were appropriately pitched at students' ability levels, to install confidence and encourage active stepping-up to the next level. Approximately one lesson per week during Term 2 was allowed for working and collaborating. The integration of curriculum areas linked to areas of success and interest for the students was a significant part of planning this approach.
For Scotch students, the tangible reward of positive peer, Government and community acknowledgement has been very rewarding. For Scotch teachers, such as the instigator and researcher of the Scotch approach Fiona McAuliffe (Head of Maths), winning this Award has ensured her unique approach to mathematical learnings, has been acknowledged nationally as a resounding success - ensuring that Scotch continues to lead the way in student education across Australia.
"The objectives and strategies utilised were focused on using a theme the students were interested in, and adopting tools and skills that students had already used successfully - to improve student understanding of relevant mathematical concepts. Our students at Scotch were able to challenge and improve their existing literacy skills through presenting their findings in a professional form, which has been most rewarding for all involved," said Fiona McAuliffe.
This approach has resulted in improved student results in all assessment areas and increased confidence levels that students have carried into other topics.
An exclusive Scotch College stamp set commissioned by the Australian Government from Australia Post for Scotch College (held by Tiffany Turner in the photo above), is proudly displayed in the reception area of the College's Torrens Park House.
Above: Scotch College display
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