Pupils’ ideas in hub

NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz

The interior display space of Clutha’s Community Hub is already being filled in the imaginations of the district’s children through the South Otago Future Focused Learning Project (FFLP)

Twenty schools and kindergartens throughout the district participate in FFLP, an organisation put together by the South Otago Principals Association, funded by the Otago Community Trust and facilitated by Angela Johnston and Philippa Dick.

‘‘It’s about collaboration and community connections,’’ Mrs Johnston said.

‘‘Children are encouraged to find and research local stories and draw on different media options to tell them.’’ The connection with the Clutha hub came about when the Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust approached FFLP with the idea of employing them as a resource for display ideas, and some of those ideas were on display last week at Balclutha Public Library.

One example, from two Clutha Valley School students, was a reptile habitat for tuatara.

‘‘We were told the hub wanted to hear our ideas for displays and we thought a reptile house to show off tuatara would be cool,’’

Jayden Gelacio said.

‘‘They’re a unique, iconic animal. The only species of ancient reptiles of their kind, and they have a secret third eye,’’ Solomon Phillips added, saying they spent about a month developing their project into a 3D model and digital summary.

‘‘We wanted to get ideas and enthusiasm going now so the community can see the possibilities of the hub space as soon as possible, and with displays being changed and updated it’s an ongoing opportunity,’’ trust chairman Dale Anderson said.

‘‘I’m impressed by the variety of technology and skills used,’’ Clutha Valley Primary School teacher Reegan Tourell said.

‘‘It fits in very well with our integrated learning programme, combining language, art, social sciences, maths, digital and traditional technology to come up with projects to inform people about the district.’’