People Powered

Schools involved	Primary	Central	Secondary
	Quirindi PS: Year 6		Quirindi HS: Year 7

Students identified the need for young people to have better recreational facilities. Their research indicated that adults and children in Quirindi have access to a range of interesting activities but that many of those in between these age groups spend a significant amount of time "hanging 'round".

After further research of the interests of the target group, students decided to design a bicycle track and to develop the proposal that could be submitted to the local council for consideration.

The project required ongoing negotiation with council officers to ensure that the proposal met local government requirements. The students constructed a scale model to be used as part of a submission and to elicit public support for the development.

Students were involved in every aspect of the process. This project was STUDENT CENTRED and teacher facilitated.

• Local business: During the project students developed a strong relationship with the local council. Council officers responded positively to the initiative and provided assistance with the information needed for a successful development proposal. Students negotiated with local businesses to display the proposal in their premises, e.g. IGA. Other businesses helped students with engineering and technical information.
• Community links: Students decided to survey young people to find out their needs and interests. After collating the results, students analysed the information and used the information to validate their design decisions. Information from the survey was also used in a final presentation of the proposal to local council.
• Involving parents: Reports on the project were taken to the Quirindi Public Schools Community Council meetings and many parents volunteered to provide assistance and advice.
• Design processes: Students learnt in a very explicit way about the design process and they used a model of the process to scaffold their activities and to organise their time.

Reflections on Enterprise Learning

"We learnt a lot from our visit to the Singleton Bike Track …… it changed our thinking."

"We learnt how the Council works and what we have to do to get our proposal through."

"Our project is not just about kids at our school. Lots of kids hang out and need something to do."