Innovation @ Atwell

Atwell Primary School is embedding STEM into our curriculum to help our students build the skills needed for a changing world. To do this we are using Project Based Learning (PBL).

PBL is interdisciplinary (cross-curricula) and focuses on active, student-directed learning. It gives students an authentic, real-world context for learning where student voice matters.

Students face complex challenges in a post-school environment where problem-solving, collaboration and creativity are highly valued skills.

Key reasons for using PBL include:

• well-scaffolded PBL engages students in their personal learning journey

• offers students an opportunity to build confidence, solve problems, work in teams, communicate ideas, and manage themselves more effectively

• encourages students to use technology in authentic ways

• connects students and schools with communities locally and globally.

(NSW Department of Education)

PBL has been identified as one of the key pedagogical innovations for driving student learning. It allows the teaching of the General Capabilities identified in the Western Australian Curriculum. At Atwell PS we refer to Enterprise Skills.