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Text version - Momentum at Muswellbrook High School

Journey summary

Transition Year 7 students into high school by reducing the number of teachers and movement around the school by engaging students.

Journey focus area

Improve learning through a range of experiences and changes to traditional methods.
To make the school more engaging for students.

Timeline and milestones

2015 milestones	Students disengaged. High achievers catered for, however, the remaining cohort’s transition requires attention.
2016 milestones	Introduction of inquiry based learning with six staff provided with a three day training program. Classrooms reorganised and appropriate furniture to encourage collaborative learning and practices purchased. The number of teachers reduced with each teacher working across two subject areas e.g. English/HSIE.
2017 milestones	Program implemented. Students who at the grade appropriate are trialled within the program.
2018 milestones	The program will continue with a new cohort of Year 7 students. All Year 8 students will have an inquiry based learning class of six periods over the fortnight. Another six teachers have received training. Inquiry based learning is slowly introduced where it is part of the school’s training and practices.

Positive impact

Students have expressed their continued engagement in their learning and connection to staff.
It has been a highly positive introduction to high school.
Behavioural issues were reduced in the lower ability class.

Emotions experienced

Challenging
Enjoyment
Excitement
Revitalised
Demanding

Main challenge and solutions

Working in the areas of maths has been a challenge due to the demands of the syllabus.
Lower ability students also require explicit learning in the areas of collaborative processes and research skills.
Due to the partial implementation, this also had an impact on reporting and meeting outcomes at similar times to other students.

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