CURIOSITY PROJECTS

What are Curiosity Projects?

Curiosity projects are an opportunity for children to choose to investigate one or more suggestions provided by their class teacher during each term, which will support and deepen their understanding of subject content and skills. Students in Year 2-5 can choose whether or not to complete a project and also choose how they will share their learnings with the rest of the class, at a time negotiated with their class teacher. Parents are encouraged to discuss their children’s plans with them and are welcome to help (not take over!) if they want to.  These projects should be reflective of student’s own work.

Principles of Curiosity Projects

1. No assessment - Non-assessment of curiosity projects is a deliberate attempt to allow children the opportunity to develop the habit of lifelong learning.
2. Elective- The ability to choose to complete a curiosity project allows children to work out whether their schedule allows time to complete these over the term. Teachers will advise when curiosity projects will be presented each term and each child can decide whether they will engage in this learning and how they might present it.
3. Presentation – 5 minute maximum. Children can choose to present their curiosity projects in any format however cannot exceed the 5 minute presentation time limit (or the alternative time limit set by the class teacher) to allow everyone to participate.
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Year level expectations for Curiosity Projects

Prep- Year 1 Curiosity projects in Prep and Year 1 will take the form of Bring and Brag or Show and Tell where children will develop oral language and presentation skills. The children will be timetabled for these and are expected to present as per term timetables.

Year 2-5 Curiosity projects are elective and will involve topics that the teachers will publish each term/ semester. Students can present projects to their peers to share their learnings. They will receive peer feedback on their projects however projects will not be assessed. Parents and children can negotiate time they wish to put towards the curiosity project (if any).

Year 6 - Curiosity projects in Year 6 will be compulsory as we are looking at developing children’s time management and organisation skills as they prepare for the transition to high school and the responsibility for assignment submission. Year 6 class teachers will set the curiosity projects each term and negotiate due dates, provide criteria sheets etc.

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey - Information for parents and carers

Why are we doing the survey?

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The department and your school are looking at ways to collect information on these topics so we can support our students in the best way possible.

The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey is designed to measure how state school students view their wellbeing and engagement.

Results from this survey will tell us about students’ levels of wellbeing and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs.

When will the survey take place?

The QEW Survey will run over the next 2 weeks of this term.  Teachers will determine a suitable time for their class.  Students in years 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to engage in the survey.

What is the survey about?

The survey measures many aspects of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and experience at school.

What is involved in participation?

Teachers will arrange for students to take part in the Survey online during class time. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. If your child requires additional assistance, teachers and/or support people are able to help them.

Does your child have to participate?

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way.

Your child will also be asked if they would like to participate before starting the survey. They will be free to stop or withdraw at any time.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please email DP Stef Kirk on skirk70@eq.edu.au and your child will not participate in the survey.

Your child will still get a link to the survey in their email even if you opt out, but they won’t be able to get into the survey without the access code given only at the time of completing the survey.

How will your child’s information be kept confidential?

The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. The Queensland Department of Education will store the data according to strict guidelines. The collection of information is in line with the Educational General Provisions Act (2006) and the Information Privacy Act (2009).

How will your child’s responses be reported?

Student’s answers will be de-identified. They will only be reported back to the school as part of their year levels’ results. No one at your child’s school will be able to see their individual responses.

Where can I get more information?

 More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey

You can contact the QEW Survey team by email: QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.

Cyber Safety

In today’s world, students use many forms of online platforms to connect with their friends.  The e-safety webpage is full of information, and handy tips for parents to support young people in their use of social media to promote safe online practices.  To find out more, click the following link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Many social media platforms now come with parental controls. The eSafety Guide below has advice on safety features that can be useful for parents and carers.