Wander the Way of the Water

Enrol the students in a relevant real-world blanket role connected to their local  environment and establish the key skills, knowledge and values needed to take on this  role. Begin getting to know your local place through research, attentiveness, linking in  with existing projects or issues and speaking with local experts. Record and reflect on  the students’ discoveries & progress throughout Chapter One.

Introduce the real-life story of Bernice Volz, a passionate environmentalist who was  instrumental in saving Karawatha Forest from development, in connection with the  students’ role. Think deeply about Bernice, her actions and her values through literacy,  philosophy and drama, and learn about Karawatha Forest. Accept the invitation to  attend the excursion and visit Karawatha.

At Karawatha, the students begin their day by learning about being ‘Nature Smart’ and then journey through the internal catchment and three distinct forest types. Along the way, they gather information and respond scientifically and artistically to their experiences.

Back at school, the children recap the excursion day and then reflect on and continue the story. By also reflecting on their experiences so far, the students consider and articulate what they have learnt about themselves and their connection to place, and identify the skills that theyhave developed. What now?

The children work together to develop and implement an achievable, student-led project that will link them with the community and make life better in their place.