Building bridges for new learning

By Ed Merrison
LOCAL high schools have been building bridges as part of new Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) initiatives.
Students from Monbulk College, Upwey High School, Emerald Secondary College and Sherbrooke Community School took part in the Dandenong Ranges Maths Challenge at Monbulk College on Thursday, 8 September.
Teams that had topped their individual school’s bridgebuilding competition gathered in Monbulk to decide who had created the region’s finest structure using cotton, glue and toothpicks.
Each team of about five students had a project manager and a set budget for purchasing materials. Other team members assumed the roles of lead builder, accountant, materials organiser and designer.
Construction crews were then judged by their peers in a series of categories, including best design, strongest structure, most costeffective project and best overall bridge.
Mark Williamson, innovations and excellence educator at Monbulk College, coordinated the finals and said this kind of openended task was inclusive of children of varying skills and abilities, allowing something for everyone.
“This is the first time the schools have come together for what is an academic, nonsporting environment, and it’s the sort of thing we’ll try more and more with the new curriculum,” Mr Williamson said.
“The concept of having the kids solve a problem, in collaboration and competition, encourages personal development, interpersonal skills and that sort of thing,” he said.
Mr Williamson said VELS’ focus on ‘interdisciplinary skills’ such as teamwork, communication and problemsolving gave teachers a chance to put their heads together to get the best out of the program and the students.
“We teachers are learning in this as well as the kids. We try things, evaluate them and look to improve upon them.
“This is ultimately a pilot trial, and afterwards the teachers will debrief, look at the pros and cons, and take the best things from it. It may become an annual event – it certainly seems to be working,” Mr Williamson said.
Sherbrooke Community School took out top honours on the day, though most students enjoyed a small taste of success, with chocolate and lollies awarded for each separate category.