Global Search

Text alternative – Virtual enrichment in rural NSW

Journey summary

Overcoming rural isolation for students needing enrichment through virtual education programs and facilitating teacher collaboration across a community of schools in Stage 2 to 4 with plans to expand to Stage 1.

Journey focus area

  • Overcoming rural and remote isolation
  • Small schools with low numbers of staff and students – need to cater to those needing enrichment
  • Collaboration – teachers
  • Collaboration – students
  • Coaching and mentoring teachers

Timeline and Milestones

2013 milestone Release of the Rural and Remote Education Strategy
2014 milestone
  • Challenges of access to enrichment programs to students in our community of schools.
  • Pilot program using virtual enrichment platform across seven schools – creative writing.
  • Successful application for rural and remote curriculum leadership grant to expand the rogram.
2015 milestone
  • Provision of professional learning for key staff in Microsoft Office 365.
  • Formation of focus group with a representation from all schools.
  • Needs analysis, planning, identification of facilitators.
  • Programs delivered in science 'Little Bits circuit building' and visual arts.
2016 milestone
  • Support from the NSW Virtual Selective High School – Aurora College, enabling schools to use effective tructures, platforms and to refine practice.
  • Evaluation and Review.
  • Delivery of programs in computer coding and virtual wellbeing.
2017 milestone
  • Program in robotics.
  • Development of a bank of units of work that can be ‘pushed out’ using OneNote – ongoing initiative.
2018 milestone
  • Creative writing (Stage 3) led by one of our teachers who is an award winning journalist.
  • Shakespeare (drama and writing – with opportunities for cross stage collaboration and high school students mentoring primary students).
  • Film Making and Graphic Design.

Positive impact

  • The development of collaborative relationships between teachers across the learning community and the provision of leadership opportunities.
  • Improved learning outcomes and engagement for students needing enrichment.
  • The development of collaborative relationships between students across the learning community which facilitates secondary transition.
  • Professional learning opportunities for staff in the use of 21st century learning pedagogy and tools.
  • The audit of technology across schools and the provision of technology as needed.
  • The ability to flexibly adapt to the needs of different cohorts of students in the community of schools each year.
  • Presentation at the Rural and Remote Conference held in Bathurst in 2016.
  • Links with Aurora College established.

Emotions

Frustration at lack of opportunities, small schools struggling to meet the needs of small numbers of students needing enrichment, excitement, satisfaction, new connections between schools, engagement of students, collegial relationships, potential.

Return to top of page Back to top