10 LWR spent Term 3 working on Project Based Learning tasks in the field of sustainability.

In late Term 2 they investigated possible topics of interest in their Humanities classes, then spent the following term working in Science and English to research and report their findings. The girls have learnt a range of skills as a result. To make their documentaries, the girls were introduced to film-making and editing skills. Each group investigated a topic, conducted experiments and surveys, interviewed experts in their field, and they then made a documentary film to communicate their findings.

Project Based Learning requires students to work on a task over an extended period, investigating a real world, complex problem. They must then demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product for a real audience.

Therefore, Tuesday evening saw the girls presenting their films to an audience of family members, teachers and those who had helped with their research.

It was a wonderful evening; inspiring and informative. The films introduced us to a range of environmental issues, addressed the degree of engagement by young people in these issues, and provided information about a range of possible actions individuals could take to improve their world and environment.

Thanks to Mrs Mulder, Mrs Beck, Ms Civil and Mr Clark for their work supporting the girls in this project.

Queen’s also wishes to thank Kim and Bill Currie who not only assisted the girls with research, but spoke at our evening to further our awareness of what we can do as individuals to contribute to better outcomes for our climate and environment. Emeritus Professor Frank Griffin from the Otago University Centre for Sustainability, and Dr. Kaitlyn Martin also helped the girls at the beginning of this study, and attended the evening to see what the students had produced. 

We also wish to acknowledge Michelle and Stephen from Sinclair Saw and Mowers who donated a lawn mower to the school for testing alternative bio-fuel developed by the students

Following is a list of the films made by the students -

1. Mocking Meat - Frauke Haase and Aimee Bennett-Hill

2. The Plastic Problem - Thea Davis, Martha McAuley, and Katie Child

3. Voices of the Reef – Ella Edwards and Taya Morrison

4. A Wind Powered World - Ella McBride, Ella Lawson and Chloe Skaf

5. Agricure for Agriculture - Hannah Gill, Sophie Gillan, Chloe Gilchrist.

6. Measured Threads - Chloe Gray and Ramona Mahutte

7. Alternative Meats - Tiki Spiegel, Molly Sommerfield and Zoe McCallum

8. Gaining and Sustaining - Kirstie Acero, Annalise MacDonell, Kate Hayward and Tallulah Costa

9. The Sani Sisters – Sammy Gray, Melanie van Heezik and Phoebe Brandish