The launch of Compass as part of the Year 9 curriculum this year has involved student participation in five rotational units of learning. The first group of Year 9 students has finished venturing into the city for Cityscape. Our expectations have been high and the students have engaged wholeheartedly in the activities. As part of Cityscape they learn valuable lessons concerning urban development, green spaces and cultural pursuits, while navigating around the CBD, gaining independence and greater personal responsibility.
Over the course of four Compass days, the students commute into Federation Square and other locations such as Melbourne Central and the State Library of Victoria. An added feature is that on a Friday as part of the Compass program at school our Year 9 students have to return in time for their afternoon classes of 'The Rite Journey' after lunch. Being punctual, meeting time constraints and using time wisely all feature in the program.
The first day of Cityscape is about building confidence moving around the CBD, and a range of site visits and team activities are set as part of The Great Race (pictured).
On the remaining three days of Compass Cityscape, a major graded assessment is worked on — a walking tour based on tourism to promote a particular theme. Each group chooses an area for focus such as the arts, the laneways of Melbourne, Australian Indigenous culture, green spaces, sporting areas — including the walk along Birrarung Marr to the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium, history and sustainability. We have enjoyed witnessing the creativity and excitement surrounding the activities the students have participated in so far. With flexibility and independence we have seen accountability and initiative from our students.
Rotation one of five is complete. Mr Adam Dean, Miss Georgia Burke, Miss Bree Burke and Ms Sally Wingett and I look forward to working with the students as part of the remaining four rotations over the course of the year in the Compass program.
