St Catherine’s Critical Conversations Program for Year 9 continues to extend the girls’ critical thinking skills.

Utilising the program within our Geography 9 curriculum is continuing to be well received by all of the students in the Year level. In Term 1 the focus was on developing key geographical skills and language through the study of biomes and food security.

In Term 2, the focus moves to students learning about economic and human development with a specific focus on the ways in which people live and work throughout the world.

The students have been undertaking individual research, analysing, and synthesising data. Their learning within these areas then culminates in critical conversations.

Student reflections:

“I’m really liking the new way of learning and I think it has helped me improve how I’m learning as it is so much more interactive than normal classes. The critical conversations we have done so far have helped me understand the topic more than I normally would. Being able to talk to everyone about different views and opinions is very effective.” Phoebe L

“The recent addition of Critical Conversations in our Geography classes has allowed us to independently explore and conduct our own research into environmental issues. I think it’s helped us build our confidence and communication with our classmates.” Melanie Y

“I have enjoyed Critical Conversations because it has given me an opportunity to hear everyone else’s points of view and what they have learned. I particularly liked the food insecurity conversation as it taught me a lot about issues relevant in our world right now and what we can do about it.” Karis C

“During our Geography classes, we started doing Critical Conversations. I have enjoyed hearing the opinions of my peers and expressing my own ideas. Using the Critical Conversations classrooms helps you feel included and involved in the seminar. The part I enjoy the most is that it is student-led and there is always more information to build on each idea.” Milly T

“In Geography so far this year I have enjoyed the challenge of Critical Conversations. These conversations have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and have helped me express and share my ideas and opinions with the class. The learning style is a bit different from what we are used to doing, but I am enjoying the activities, and the setup of our new Humanities rooms are great!” Christine C

“I have thoroughly enjoyed partaking in Critical Conversations, as it gave me the opportunity to learn from my peers. Having the assurance that the classroom is a safe place to express my opinions, has helped me build my understanding of the topics and my confidence.” Vinuki R

“So far in Geography this semester I have really enjoyed learning about food security and its effects all over the globe. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the critical conversations, they have helped me share and gain knowledge from all of my peers.” Gemma T

“I’m loving the critical conversations we’ve been having in Geography class because I am learning about other viewpoints on the topics we’re studying. It’s a lot different from doing our work and then performing an assignment. I enjoy the critical conversations as they help me understand what we’re learning and how to communicate with other people in my class.” Helena K