Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. – Rudolf Steiner
The Shearwater Senior Studies Certificate is an alternate pathway for Year 12 students, on offer at Shearwater. The program provides an opportunity for students to create and execute a self-directed project in an area of personal interest. Participants develop a project proposal, present their idea to a panel of peers and teachers, and work with mentors in the wider community, as well as School staff. Time management, organisation and communication skills are an important part of the learning process. Students must also document their project development in a process diary (see images above).
As well as their project work, Shearwater Certificate students must take a number of HSC subjects, including one of the English courses and two or three other subjects of their choice. They complete these subjects alongside their peers, including sitting any external exams and completing major works.
This year we have seven Year 12 students engaged in the Shearwater Certificate, developing a range of projects including: choreographing a ballet; designing a swimwear brand; creating a magazine; making a film; putting together a creative and performing arts portfolio; developing a business to raise awareness of, and funding for, youth mental health, and starting a free-range egg business.
Here are some of their reflections on the process thus far...
“The Shearwater Certificate is challenging because you have to manage your individual project and your other school subjects as well. It’s definitely not just an ‘easy option’ like some people think.”
“It’s a personal development project that gives you the opportunity to do something that you’re passionate about and interested in.”
“It offers you a taste of what life outside of school is like, through giving you independence and responsibility for your learning.”
“Being able to do a Shearwater Certificate has given me the opportunity to follow my passion, and it’s great to be able to have some guidance along the way."
“I like the fact that I get to use my imagination and make something good for others to be inspired by, and that I can share what I have learnt with others.”
“It really helps me get through school, doing something I enjoy and with a bit of extra pocket money and a wealth of information.”
The culmination of the year-long project is a presentation and display which will be held in the School Hall on October 23, 4.30-6.30pm. Please save the date and watch this space.
Anna Delzoppo
Year 12 Guardian
The Shearwater Senior Studies Certificate is an alternate pathway for Year 12 students, on offer at Shearwater. The program provides an opportunity for students to create and execute a self-directed project in an area of personal interest. Participants develop a project proposal, present their idea to a panel of peers and teachers, and work with mentors in the wider community, as well as School staff. Time management, organisation and communication skills are an important part of the learning process. Students must also document their project development in a process diary (see images above).
As well as their project work, Shearwater Certificate students must take a number of HSC subjects, including one of the English courses and two or three other subjects of their choice. They complete these subjects alongside their peers, including sitting any external exams and completing major works.
This year we have seven Year 12 students engaged in the Shearwater Certificate, developing a range of projects including: choreographing a ballet; designing a swimwear brand; creating a magazine; making a film; putting together a creative and performing arts portfolio; developing a business to raise awareness of, and funding for, youth mental health, and starting a free-range egg business.
Here are some of their reflections on the process thus far...
“The Shearwater Certificate is challenging because you have to manage your individual project and your other school subjects as well. It’s definitely not just an ‘easy option’ like some people think.”
“It’s a personal development project that gives you the opportunity to do something that you’re passionate about and interested in.”
“It offers you a taste of what life outside of school is like, through giving you independence and responsibility for your learning.”
“Being able to do a Shearwater Certificate has given me the opportunity to follow my passion, and it’s great to be able to have some guidance along the way."
“I like the fact that I get to use my imagination and make something good for others to be inspired by, and that I can share what I have learnt with others.”
“It really helps me get through school, doing something I enjoy and with a bit of extra pocket money and a wealth of information.”
The culmination of the year-long project is a presentation and display which will be held in the School Hall on October 23, 4.30-6.30pm. Please save the date and watch this space.
Anna Delzoppo
Year 12 Guardian