Learners go hands on for Education Week

STUDENTS across Victoria are marking the state’s annual Education Week until tomorrow, which has the theme of Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate.

As part of the event local MPs visited Ballarat Tech School on Monday morning where students from Ballarat High School, Woodmans Hill, and Loreto College were taking part in activities.

“This is what Education Week this year is all about… engaging students, making learning fun, making sure they’re activated and enabled to explore their curiosity, and what better place to do that than at Ballarat Tech School,” said Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison.

“We’ve seen some incredible classroom activities today. The students want to be here, to do something different, program a robot, cook with bushfoods, and use a laser cutter.”

Ballarat Tech School director Damon Minotti said the institution exposes young people to emerging STEM technologies and industry processes.

“We’ve got coding, robotics, prototyping, and structural design engineering, and a maths-focused Girls in STEM program about space exploration coming up,” he said.

“The students who experience this learning in the early part of their careers can then make an easy transition into the workforce and contribute from day one, understanding what the industry is trying to do and the directions they’re moving in for the future.”

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, said Education Week is a celebration of active learning and discovery across Ballarat.

“Education is a cornerstone of a vibrant, innovative community,” she said.

“There are many activities being run, from the Ballarat Observatory, through to individual schools’ activities. Get your hands on, and have fun.”