As students across the country made the transition to remote learning, the team at Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) began to research and seek feedback from members of the school community in how to make remote learning as engaging as possible.
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While students at KAS continued their remote learning, the teaching staff at KAS researched and sought feedback from members of the school community to ensure the students remained motivated and high levels of engagement continued.
The feedback from the community was that students thoroughly enjoy learning that involves hands-on activity and contains a practical element which they experience through project-based learning (PBL).
KAS began their PBL journey in 2016, a student-driven teaching method where students develop knowledge and skills through actively exploring real-world problems and challenges using a hands-on, collaborative approach.
Deputy Principal Vanessa Baywood said the PBL teaching method allows students to stay engaged while learning.
"PBL has reignited a love of learning within our students. This approach has given our students the opportunity to develop skills that are relevant to the 21st century and grow their employability skills," she said.
KAS teachers have created meaningful, relevant PBL projects that span across a range of subjects and curriculum.
"Some of the projects include creating a KAS cookbook using family recipes, learning how to be 'mechanically minded' by fixing and tinkering with cars and motorbikes and how to create a successful entrepreneurial business in our community. It has been wonderful to see our students so excited and motivated," Ms Baywood said.
Students learning how to create their own business and become young entrepreneurs have been working on creating a business in which they can turnover a profit.
"Students in this class have built their businesses from the ground up. From their logo, name and slogan to their target market, price point and marketing channels."
There have been great businesses that have come out of the class including a cafe, car wash, florist, baked goods catering, candles and a beauty business.
The public can support KAS students in their business ventures this Sunday at Kundabung Markets from 8am to 1pm.
