Shine Magazine, Issue 9, October 2009 - Department of Education ...

Innovative Program
Shine 71
Rolling Hills students
hit the airwaves
Getting to the bottom of crime scenes, indulging in feasts fit for ancient civilisations, and burrowing
for archaeological discoveries are all part of bringing learning to life at Rolling Hills Primary School.
These fascinating hands-on activities are part of the school’s Thinkers Group
program – a series of enrichment lessons designed to extend students’
learning beyond the classroom. And as well as getting a taste for forensic
science, archaeology and the ancient world, budding broadcasters in the
Radio Thinkers group can also test their scripting and presenting skills as
part of Yarra Valley Radio’s ‘Schools In’ program – a daily 30-minute, live-toair
segment presented by students of local schools.
Assistant principal Mary Moore said the school has been hitting the
airwaves for two years – groups of nine students present a segment at least
once a term.
Assistant principal Mary Moore said the school
has been hitting the airwaves for two years –
groups of nine students present a segment at
least once a term.
“I’ve always believed in the potential to enhance learning skills outside the
classroom and the extension classes provide students with the opportunity
to broaden topics of interest, to go just a little bit more in depth,” she said.
“The Radio Thinkers group teaches them speaking and listening skills, script
writing, time management and performance skills – students negotiate what
they’d like their broadcast to be about, then they write their own script and
choose what songs they’d like to play.”
The group has a dedicated listenership of proud parents, grandparents and
neighbours – and once, a listener from Germany who had tuned in via live
internet streaming, prompting a German-language segment for the next
broadcast. “They had heard that someone in Germany had been listening
so they wanted to say ‘hi’,” Ms Moore laughed. “These Thinkers Groups are
about extending students and seeing their minds ticking over,” she continued.
“We really believe in differentiation – we do try to make sure every child gets
every opportunity to have a go.”
Budding broadcasters at Rolling Hills Primary School test their
skills as part of Yarra Valley Radio’s ‘Schools In’ program, a daily
live-to-air segment that is presented by students of local schools.
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