Pups and Kittens

The project grew out of problems associated with the relocation of the local branch of the RSPCA. Across the Newcastle area there was limited awareness of the new site or of the services it provides. The management of the re-located Branch were enthusiastic about involvement with local schools and as a result the schools negotiated a brief: to design an information kit for distribution to local school communities. The kit aimed to promote RSPCA activities and the new RSPCA Rutherford Shelter, and to highlight the responsibilities of pet owners.

As a result of the project, the schools worked together to produce:

• a short film profiling the facilities at the Rutherford Shelter
• a Powerpoint presentation highlighting the history, campaigns and responsibilities of pet owners.
• a cat activity station for use in the cat lounge area, and
• printed material; brochures, information sheets, etc.

This project was STUDENT CENTRED and teacher facilitated.

• Links with local business: The focus of this project was a product for the RSPCA. Students visited locations at the RSPCA to gather information, to practice and frame scene shots, and to develop story lines and ideas. They communicated with the RSPCA using e-mail and telephone. To produce the video 'A Million Paws', students worked with Peach Advertising through e-mail, telephone, and interviews.
• Working with media: Students viewed and deconstructed a number of television programs (Totally Wild, Wonder World) to identify genre, style, key features and program format, and to gain background information.
• Working technologically: To improve communications between Rutherford PS and Rutherford Technology HS a fibre optic network link was installed. Additionally students learnt to use a wide range of equipment and software including: the still digital camera, the digital video camera, Powerpoint, Studio 9 editing software and Publisher.

                                     

Reflections on Enterprise Learning