Learning beyond the classroom

Our Year 9 and 10 students have now completed two 5-week blocks of Student Interest Modules (SIMs). Students have had a wonderful time gaining insight into various activities of their choice and learning beyond the classroom.

Students have been very engaged in the various activities on offer. The volunteering activities have been a great opportunity for students to give back to their community and this has been a highlight so far of the SIMs. Students are also having the opportunity to mix across year levels and create some great friendships.

Whilst Textiles and AFL Strategy modules have received great feedback from students, ‘How to be a Barista’ has proved to be the most popular module in the current block. Mr Luke Teasdale from Three Black Sheep has generously donated his time to lead this very practical module. Furthering the community partnership element, Alumni parent Byron Hall from AWM donated electrical supplies, alumni students Nick Denahy (Rowan Hill Electrical) and James Carr (Scope Electrical Solutions) donated their time to complete the electrical work required to install the coffee machine and current parents Mr Luke Teasedale and Mrs Anna Carlsson have provided the coffee machine and equipment. This module has turned out to be a true exchange of our school community time and resources!

We are excited to see where this program takes students. With a list of over 70 modules to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity for students to get out into the community, learn new skills and make new connections with peers and teachers.

Term 1 Student Interest Modules:

SIM Block 1:

AFL Strategy, Board Games, Canva, Commercial Cooking, Drawing, Caddyshack, Grandmaster Chess, Lawn Bowls, Photography, Pre-season training, Volunteering, Yearbook.

SIM Block 2:

Bike Appreciation, Barista Training, Book Club, Bridge over Murray, Creative Writing, Preseason Training, Team Games, Job Seekers, Textiles, Yoga, VET Instruction and Coding

Following the success of the Volunteering at BUPA Aged Care module, there will be further volunteering options available in upcoming SIMs blocks. Clay target shooting is also being investigated for later in Term 2.

Our SIMs program is forever evolving, if you or your business would like to contribute with resources, time or even a host, SIMs run each Wednesday afternoon for a 5-week block during term.

Please email Mr Greg Cadd for further information, gcadd@moamagrammar.nsw.edu.au

“The SIMs program has allowed other students and I to discover new things and have fun with them. There is a range of activities to choose from and you get the chance to bond with new people you have never talked to before while also learning new things. I have finished doing boardgames and I am currently doing photography and have loved both as they are very social and I have had heaps of fun doing so.”

KIRSTEN YUAN, YEAR 10