St James’ Anglican School

PASSION PROJECTS

An invitation to staff to identify ‘passion projects’ has provided broader opportunities for fun and learning at St James’ Anglican School. As the School enters its eight year in the Alkimos community, the development of the new 2022 – 2024 Strategic Plan is shining a spotlight on the passion and skills of the teaching staff. The development of the plan has been a labour of love for School Principal Adrian Pree, the School Executive and the teaching team, with teachers’ Passion Projects extending beyond the classroom, with the potential to become woven into the School’s fabric over the next three years. One example is the St James’ Design and Technology Department, who are spearheading an environmentally sustainable project focussed on learning about the development and production of Electric Vehicles (EV). Head of Design and Technology Nathaniel Watts said the project was a holistic learning experience, ultimately culminating in the students designing and building their own EV.

“We are shaping the next generation of engineers; it all starts from here. This is a real-world application of the technology and design behind electric vehicles,” Mr Watts said. ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL

The Design team have already procured the School’s first EV, a small battery-powered buggy. The buggy will demonstrate to students how an EV works and how it differs from a combustion engine. The end goal for this vehicle is for students to upscale it to a larger kart that is both functional and relevant to the context.

“If we can inspire just one person to look at transport in a unique, unconventional way and begin to help pioneer a sustainable future, then I believe we have been successful in our job as teachers,” Mr Watts said. The EV is to be powered from solar panels and eventually, a Tesla battery located on the school grounds. Going forward, this ‘passion project’ will demonstrate sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to our students, while providing the School community with a relatable example in the delivery of a strategic outcome.