Creating curious learners through a 'central idea'
In Term 2, students at Elsternwick Campus' Junior School were curious about some pretty big ideas.
Each year, Junior School students explore four to six concepts or 'units of inquiry' within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. Each unit focuses on a 'big understanding', called the central idea, which is contextualised on a local, national or global level.
In ECLC and Prep, students explored the central idea that 'We have a responsibility to share resources with other living things'. Students explored the needs of living things, the need to share resources and considered what would happen if we don't share resources.
Year 1 and Year 2 students examined the concept of sustainability through the central idea 'Homes around the world are influenced by various factors'. They considered different types of houses and their characteristics and the impact of housing on the environment and ways we can minimise this impact. At the start of the term, students used the Makerspace to design and build a home from a range of materials. They were some very creative responses!
In Year 3 and Year 4, students studied the central idea that 'Societies acknowledge and celebrate people and events that are culturally significant'. They looked at the meaning and significance of celebrations, and the way celebrations and commemorations are acknowledged. Around Anzac Day, students looked at the significance of Anzac Day and the traditions that accompany this event, including baking ANZAC biscuits.
Engaging with units of inquiry are central to our students' learning. Through the study of these central ideas, students develop a deeper understanding of the world they live in, the role they play in creating a better world and the actions they may be able to take to support a brighter future.
