The Wanganui Girls' College links
A genuine culture of enterprise has evolved within the Technology Faculty at Wanganui Girls' College. Core staffing has remained stable for several years and teachers have taken the initiative to develop links between their classroom programmes and the wider Wanganui community, the observed benefits providing motivation for maintaining and extending the links.
A major impetus for creating links with industry came when teacher Mike Jackson took a year out in the community on a Teacher Fellowship. “When I was doing this, I was told all the time that what we were doing in schools often lacked relevance So I quickly appreciated that the four walls of your classroom must not limit your subject, what you teach and what your students learn. You’ve got to get out there and make sure that what you’re doing in the classroom fits with how things are done in industry, and that it has a positive link with the community.”
This view is now shared by the whole department, which works collectively to ensure a consistent approach to the establishment of community links within the different programmes at each level.
Wanganui Girls' College students visiting Kitchen Contours
In establishing links, manageability has not been a significant issue for Mike. “It may require a bit more effort initially, but in terms of resource management over the unit as a whole there are no more issues than in a wholly class-based unit of work. It only needs a couple of hours to go out and get a company on your side, and the gains you get in terms of student experience and learning make that initial effort well worthwhile. And the attitude of the industries has been very positive – I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone say ‘No, go away, we can’t be bothered’. Most seem very pleased to be asked and enthusiastic to help.”
In establishing industry links, the school has also received invaluable support from Ken Hird of Wanganui Incorporated.
Mike says there has been a positive influence on junior students coming through into the senior programmes. “Junior students see the work done by the seniors and it motivates them to choose the subject. But more importantly, they have a sense of pride in what our students are doing in the community. So that flow-on effect is very good.”
Wanganui Girls' College students visiting Norsewear
It has also made a big difference that senior management are also fully supportive. “The school is really excited about the prospect of their students being involved in community activity,” says Mike, “and is usually happy to accommodate the juggling of classes which is often required. That shows how much it is valued. We always inform the school management when someone is coming in as a mentor or a speaker, and we do that a lot in our area. The school is not only enthusiastic about it but, where possible, the management like to meet these people to consolidate the link and to personally thank them for coming in and helping the students. And the principal will always write to them and thank them on behalf of the school.”
This appreciation quickly spreads to the community, which makes it easier to go out and attract additional support.
Two examples of ongoing links clearly illustrate their relevance and value to those participating:
