Since starting at Saint Stephen’s College eleven years ago, I have created cross-curricula project-based learning experiences across multiple year levels, organising large events to showcase the students' work to the wider community. The Future Millionaires Business Expo, now in it's sixth year, allows the Business, Cert III Business and Media students to collaborate on a small start-up. Students pitch their idea to on an exhibition evening. The night not only attracts over 300 visitors to Saint Stephen's College, but it also allows students to network with invited investors and successful local entrepreneurs.

 

Another example is The Wearable Art and Design show. This collaborative STEAMD based project in 2009 which combines Film and Television, Design and Technology, Business, Cert III Events Management and Visual Art across Years 9 and 10. Now in its tenth year, each subject is provided a complex project brief to complete for the showcase. All project briefs have a singular theme which culminates into one huge student lead exhibition of work. The night itself attracts over 600 people alone with over 120 students across all subjects involved.

 

Each project brief varies between subjects; for example, Media Students create Interview Packages documenting Visual Art Students process, Design Students create a Wearable Design using technology such as laser cutting, or 3D printing and Visual Art Students create a wearable sculpture. Business and Events Management Students have generated the marketing, catering and coordination of the night. The central theme varies each year, ranging from Surrealism, to Illumination, Biomimicry and Sustainability. Science and Information Technology have teamed up with Design students to problem solve concepts to meet the design brief. Drama, Dance have collaborated on pre-show entertainment and Music students have provided original music scores for the runway music as a part of their assessment. I have been teaching in independent schools for 24 years and it was the best student production I have ever experienced.

 

"It is fair to say Samantha was delivering STEAM and Project Based learning well before it became fashionable."

Matthew Jorgensen - Director of E-Learning

 

Previously working in the Fashion industry in South Australia, I developed the concept of the Wearable Art and Design Show for Saint Stephen’s College to pull from my business and industry experience with events to create a project for students that would give them a real-world experience, whilst showcasing their outstanding works to the wider community.

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“Before turning to Education, as a part of my Events Management Business, I ran Adelaide Fashion Week, Westfield Fashion season launches and Visual Merchandising for many retailers including Myer and Westfield. I understand how to put on events and shows with a difference and I thought why not let my students experience this as a form of their assessment. The application of learnt knowledge in this project is outstanding. Nothing makes me prouder than when I am looking at students developmental work on the project and see them applying knowledge learnt subjects outside of my classroom. For example, the level of mathematics and engineering involved to create some of the wearable design prototypes is extraordinary; students make connections between subjects rather than think about them in isolation. Witnessing Year 10 students run the audio visual for a live event that is on par with that of Fashion Week simply blows my mind every year.”