LEAP - Learning, Enrichment and Achievement Programme
LEAP is a core subject for Years 7 and 8 in which students learn the skills of how to learn while engaged in diverse units of study ranged around Design, Creativity and Technology, Research and Communication.
Learning How to Study
Learning how to study begins the course in Year 7. Investigation of how the brain functions helps to support understanding of learning. In the school context learning is supported by two very important skills of study: the ability to take notes effectively and to summarise texts. These are explicitly taught, as well as rapid reading and scanning approaches. Brain buzz techniques for memory assistance, such as flash cards, the use of acronyms, incorporation of story and colour coding all help students to acquire a repertoire of study approaches.
The popularity of television's 'MasterChef' supported the Food Technology study in the Year 8 course and the dishes prepared by the students were both a taste and visual triumph. Food Technology consultant Andrew Taylor was again highly impressed by the girls’ capabilities and co-operation as they negotiated the kitchen facilities at Abbotsford Convent. This year, the tasks were more demanding and required them to create an array of dishes, including making and rolling the pasta for a filled ravioli dish. With this level of skill the girls met the challenge of devising a meal for their family, creating the budget for the food and then preparing, cooking and cleaning up afterwards, with great success.
Forum
Once again the Year 8 students invited an array of guest speakers for Forum. Trish Henderson spoke about her experiences as an ICU nurse; Professor Andrew Scott enlightened his audience on the challenges and joys of a medical career and explained his work in cancer research; Andrew Hiskens talked with the girls about ways to mount an exhibition in preparation for their EXPO 809 presentations. At all times, the girls were highly engaged and asked questions which were insightful and pertinent to the speeches.
Animation - Year 7
A new unit for Year 7 LEAP this year was Animation. Technology consultant Sue Inness assisted students to learn the basics of claymation techniques. The girls filmed their story and then used Stop Motion Pro software to edit the film. Using this understanding of the animation process, Sue then taught PowerPoint animation techniques and the girls used the process to illustrate the life cycle of a creature such as a frog or an insect.
Both processes were challenging and fun and an excellent introduction to media production.
The images below capture the Year 8 students presenting their exhibitions for EXPO 809.
Topics are decided by each student and they create a research proposal based on three ‘rich’ questions to which they want to find out answers. Some of the research and presentation skills developed in the Year 7 Notables presentation are used by the students, but the additional requirement of field study has students engaged in interviews, visits to worksites and to art galleries and museums. Some students use their holiday destinations to develop their field study.
Mrs Amanda Swaney, Director of Learning