Year 7 Show Parents Sussex Projects

The children, as always, were the highlight, demonstrating great communication skills, excellent subject knowledge and boundless enthusiasm. 

Project based learning is not a brand new concept, and a thematic approach is used broadly across the country - but the GSE syllabus is different. The emphasis behind this style of learning is to encourage independence, promote student voice, enhance study skills, direct their own learning and develop transferable skills which will prepare them for the 21st Century beyond the classroom.

This approach to learning inspires the children to explore their interests, play to their strengths and identify any weaknesses to work on. Their first exposure to this style of learning was the topic of Sussex - a great introduction due to it being very much on their doorstep. The children were able to visit the Sussex Downs, see the impact of coastal erosion, identify floodplains and meanders in the Cuckmere, visit the site of the Battle of Hastings and stand where Harold was shot in the eye, see the Georgian built Redoubt fortress and Martello towers on the Eastbourne seafront and the hotels that sprung up along the seafront during the Victorian age. 

This real life context, coupled with the creative digital skills of presenting their acquired knowledge in a new way, researching effectively, understanding Sussex’s geographic location and identifying their own interests within the topic of Sussex, culminated in some incredible e-books, a reflective podcast and some analytical thoughts on their learning through Kloodle.