This is a pretty big question to grapple with, especially if you are only in Primary School! Well this is exactly what the students in 3-6 Honours did in Semester 1. Throughout Term 1 and Term 2 students engaged with the topic “What Matters”. Each student was able to select a topic of interest which would be their focus for the semester’s work. This unit was composed of a three stage process involving research, developing ideas and creating. These components were called So What, Now What and Then What.

Part ONE: So What?
Why does this matter to you?
Why is this important?

Part TWO: Now What?
What are you going to do to help promote or support what matters?

Part THREE: Then What?
What are your future plans, ideas and actions for this cause?

Students did an amazing job researching their topics and diving deep into the issues that face their topic. Based on this research students developed a design, product or website promoting or supporting their what matters topic. Many things were created such as; a website that has informative videos about how to protect the environment, a 3D web design of a musical building and a model of an electric powered 4WD. The topics students explored were so diverse and completely relevant to them.

At the beginning of Term 4 students were able to present their What Matters Topic to the Honours Class. Each student shared the process of their learning from the initial research to the completed end of unit product. Each presentation was filmed and can be accessed through the link below. 

Semester 1 in Honours was a whirlwind of research, learning, creating and fun. Each student has done a fantastic job and should be very proud of all that they have achieved.

Sarah Jennings