Curious / Project Zero Classroom

PROJECT zero CLASSROOM

World-leading educators inspired Junior Campus teachers Helen Wilson and Jess Fawcett as they headed to the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the United States to attend the annual week-long programme, Project Zero Classroom.

Founded by philosopher Nelson Goodman in 1967, Project Zero began with an emphasis on understanding learning in and through the arts. Today it focuses on creativity, intelligence, understanding, cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural thinking, as well as ethics. Anchored in the arts and humanities, Project Zero researchers explore educational processes and systems that seek to prepare learners for the world in which they will live.

We spoke to Helen and Jess before they left for the United States. Grade 6 teacher Jess was excited to embrace the opportunity.

“We are looking forward to learning from world-leading educators in such a prestigious setting and building on the learning we have already undertaken in this area,” said Jess.

“We look forward to sharing our learning with colleagues and to embedding it in our practice across the Junior Campus when we return.”

Helen and Jess are recipients of a Launceston Grammar staff scholarship – a new initiative introduced in 2019 by Headmaster, Richard Ford, which is aimed at developing the capacity of staff in areas which relate to the Launceston Grammar Identity or Strategic Plan.

Helen, a Grade 5 teacher, said they will be able to review their current teaching practices and develop new approaches to planning and instruction and be able to ask questions that are at the heart of teaching and learning at the School.

“These may include questions around best practice learning experiences which prepare students to be outstanding global learners and leaders, how we can nurture curiosity and critical thinking, and the importance of being creative,” said Helen.

“The course overview will include discussions and learning around what it means for a student to understand a concept within a classroom setting and how understanding is developed over time, as well as how to meet the needs of different grade levels at the Junior Campus.

“We will be able to analyse our current teaching and assessment practices and develop new approaches to planning that respond to the diverse ways in which our students engage and learn.

“Jess and I are excited about the opportunity to continue our learning and discussions with other delegates following the Project Zero Classroom and presenting what we have learnt to staff at Launceston Grammar and to professional networks beyond the School.”

Helen Wilson and Jessica Fawcett