Authentic Learning

Providing more authentic learning experiences for our tweens has been a focus at Riverside Middle College this past year. Posted below are examples of how our tween teachers have incorporated these experiences into their curriculum.

Year 9's Night at the Museum

The Year 9 History students concluded their study of World War I with a task that required them to be a museum curator, tasked with the job of creating an exhibit about any aspect of WWI. Their exhibit, combined with the remaining Year 9 students' exhibits, would educate and inform other Middle College students about the war. 

Students chose an aspect of WWI, generated an inquiry question and 8 sub-questions, researched their topics using primary & secondary sources, and chose a method of presentation.

The presentations included the creation and explanation of artefacts (diary entries, weapons, posters, replicas, dioramas, models), performances (dances, poems, song, drama), and digital pieces (blogs, screencast, stop animation, interactive poster, video games)

               

The students opened their museum to an authentic audience of Middle College students from Years 6-8, then again at night to their parents and families.

Middle College Fair

All our Homeroom classes from Years 6-9 organise and run stalls at our annual Middle College Fair. Linking this activity to the Australian Curriculum for Humanities and Social Sciences - Economics and Business, our students discussed and set business goals, developed a concept, advertised their product and sold to their Junior and Senior student consumers and staff.

This project was a term in the planning, but culminated in a colourful and exciting afternoon when lots of money was made. As a Middle College student body, they then had input (through their Class Leaders) as to how they would like to see their profit spent - donation to a charity or community project.