She’s planting seeds of brilliance and watching young minds bloom this World Teachers’ Day (Friday 31 October)! Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay Year 6 Educator Sarah Young has won the NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Primary at Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) recent Excellence Awards. Implementing integrated learning for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects across Prep to Year 6, Sarah took home the top prize for saving our educators time and helping students grow in their learning. Sarah said, “gone are the days of students sitting in chairs watching the teacher write on the white board”. “Integrated learning allows students to explore using their hands and senses, as they explore their very own curiosities,” she said. “This method also allows students to take charge of their own learning and connect with life around them.” Xavier Catholic College Principal Simon Dash said, “combining STEM subjects into one learning experience, Sarah has revolutionised the way our teachers teach, and the way our students learn”. “Our students are more connected to their learning than ever,” he said. “From planting sunflower seeds and watching them grow, to designing their own virtual solar systems, Sarah’s teaching methods cultivate curiosity and creativity.” Simon adds, “the results are clear”. “This way of teaching not only immerses students in real world experiences, but it also saves our educators time,” he said. “Wellbeing has improved across the campus for our teaching staff, giving them more time with their families.” Sarah said this was one of her main motivators. “In a world where educators are overworked, I wanted to find a way to make a difference,” she said. “It means educators no longer have to plan four units, they can plan one unit (STEM), touching on all four subjects in the one lesson.” Sarah adds, “I was shocked to win the NGS Super Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in Primary at the BCE Excellence Awards”. “It really means a lot to me,” she said. “STEM is a passion of mine, and it’s nice to be recognised and for BCE to say, STEM matters and the work you do is making a difference and is important to us.”For more information about Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay or to enrol
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About Queensland World Teachers’ Day:
Queensland World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and applaud our teachers for the important role they play in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. This year’s Queensland theme is Celebrating Teachers. If you would like to thank a staff member at a BCE school, share your appreciation on your school’s appreciation wall, take a photo and tag BCE on social media.