Learning in the real world

By Clare Sweeney

IN the primary school at Nexus, recently accredited at mastering level, we understand the importance of making learning meaningful, relevant and engaging for learners. In Year 1, this half term, the children are learning about the world of work through the IPC theme The Things People Do.

In order to “hook” the children on this theme, we took them to Kidzania. Through role-playing the learners were able to know and understand more about various jobs and professions within society as well as the activities and responsibilities that go along with these.

This was an excellent opportunity for children to understand the purpose of work – not only for their own personal monetary gain, but also to provide a service to society. Many of our learners have never had to take responsibility for their own money, and have never had the opportunity to earn money nor use this money earned to purchase goods. It was amazing to see those who were more reluctant to spend their hard earned cash.

The trip to Kidzania allowed children to explore these concepts and come to an understanding that money, in fact, does not just appear from the ether, it has to be earned and it should be spent wisely.

Additionally, they quickly learned that certain jobs were more desirable to them, because they earned different amounts for different jobs. Some children showed real drive to bank in more than their friends so that they would be able to purchase the item they wanted at the end of the day.

This learning experience has proved to be extremely purposeful for our learners as through working with their peers, role playing and having fun, they have learned so much more about jobs in society today than they could have within the constraints of a traditional classroom.

By “learning by doing” they are bound to remember the learning experience that has taken place. Our learners are now completely enthused and ready to learn more about The Things People Do within and across the different curricular subjects.

Sweeney is a Year 1 teacher at Nexus International School.