Albany Senior High School/Impact Projects

There is really only one way to learn how to do something, and that is to do it. (Prof R Schank.)

Igniting Passions
'Students of today enter an increasingly globalised world where they must be technologically literate, good communicators, great collaborators. The new work environment requires responsibility and self-management, as well as interpersonal and project-management skills that demand teamwork and leadership,' (adapted from Pearlman, 2005).

Introduction
You will not have to wait until you leave school to realise your dreams and passions. Impact projects provide you with the opportunity and space to take charge of your own learning to do just that. You will be able to deepen your specialist subject understanding and even go beyond what can be offered by the school curriculum to enrich your learning and your community.

Impact projects are highly structured project based learning experiences that you develop in teams or individually with guidance from your specialist teachers at school and in consultation with experts in the community. Through these collaborations you will develop the skills, attributes and networks needed for success now and beyond school. On completion you will present your project and evidence of your learning journey to an audience in an engaging, authentic way. You and your community will evaluate your final product against criteria developed to measure the level of your success which may include, but is not limited to NCEA standards.


 * 1) Cluster 1
 * 2) Cluster 2
 * 3) Cluster 3
 * 4) Cluster 4
 * 5) Gateway

To fulfil our vision and give life to our values at Albany Senior High School you will be engaging in authentic project based learning. This is your chance to follow and explore your passions in a way that makes a positive contribution to our community, Impact Projects. You will be in charge of your learning.

The Five Ps will guide you through this process:

NCEA
In addition to this your project can also be used as evidence to achieve appropriate NCEA standards.

Impact projects nurturing a ‘lifelong’ delight in learning.

Support Material
Visit Impact Projects on the intranet to find out what support material is available.

Glossary

 * Authentic learning: Learning that is meaningful because it is connected to your interests, experience and the real world.
 * Community: Any group of people who share a common interest, e.g. Your family, friends, school, where you live, your country, the world!
 * Community Advisor: An expert who is willing to be involved in offering you expert support and advice with your project.
 * Milestone: An important event or task.
 * Presentation: Showcasing what you have done in your impact project for example:
 * a performance like a dance, musical or drama
 * or explaining a video diary or product or display.
 * Success criteria - The standards you have set to know how successful your project has been.