Designing and delivering School Workshops is my greatest joy, ‘Avianating’ over 500 students to date, from Kindergarten to High School from Fairfield to the Megalong Valley. An interpretive flexible approach ensures that staff and students have a relaxed day learning about birds in a way that is flexible, relatable and most importantly, enjoyable.
A series of targeted in-class presentations were followed by a survey of the school grounds, with photos used to create a species list of each school. The primary purpose is to connect the students the natural environment and make STEM fun.
Cambridge Park Public School (above) Students studied the Lorax, a link to the loss of Emus and Cumberland Plain Woodland at the nearby ADI site. AudioVisual presentations were prepared for St Marys, Bidwill, and Lalor Park Public Schools.
“A great day of learning. Mark is a gifted Environmentalist and Teacher. Seeing a raptor diving for a hunt was the highlight of our day”.
Prue Thompson, Cambridge Park Public School
“This is the bestest day ever”. Max, St Marys Public School (K1)
“I have found 2 Masked Lapwings”. Joshua, St Marys Public School (Y1) (4 weeks after the visit)
“Amazing. Engaging for all students. Great knowledge of local area. Good link to curriculum areas that are otherwise hard to cover in an engaging manner”. Alice Gravina, Bidwill Public School
Mount Riverview Public School (x5 classes, 164 students) A verbal presentation on Lyrebirds/Bowerbirds, and the intelligence of using complex calls/bowers to attract females and pass on their genes.
“It was great to compare with Blacktown/Penrith and realise Mt Riv is unique. 1/3 of them wanted to take their brochure into the playground and tick off more birds”. Ms Stockton Yr4
Katoomba Public School (x3 classes, 90 students) was an AV presentation to all classes (from K1 to Stage 3) outlining seasonal changes of bird populations in the Blue Mountains.
“Wonderful to see how engaged some of the children were, particularly those who are not necessarily so excited by school”. Cate Paterson, Katoomba Public School
Megalong Public School (7 students) on the western slopes we spoke about the birds and the Granite landscape of the western slopes, following up with ‘Red’ Robins‘ on a winter visit.
“The visit was wonderful and engaging for all students. Very knowledgable, excitement of interest and enthusiasm was good”. Stephanie Scott, Megalong Public School
Londonderry Public School (Year 2, 22 students) located in the Richmond Woodlands Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) the presentation focused on Honeyeater and Parrot species.
“Mark was engaging and passionate about birds. The girls and boys were very interested and particularly enjoyed the walk around”. Kelly Garlick, Londonderry Public School
Fairfield High School (Year 8, 18 students) The only High School in the program, my presentation focussed on Classification, Food webs and Human impact to compliment their curriculum-based studies.
“Mark was knowledgable. Eye opening. Well delivered! “. Eric Wu, Fairfield High School