Hands on Learning
What is Hands on Learning (HoL)?
HoL is a program that helps students achieve their best and enjoy school more. This is done by supporting the different ways students learn. We realise that everyone has their own strengths and areas to improve. HoL is designed to help you discover and show what you are good at.
HoL runs on site at your school so you do not have to leave school to take part. We want you to have a place where you feel safe, become part of a team, and where you will do real work to help other people.
What will a Hands on Learning day look like?
Each week, you will spend half a day in HoL instead of going to your regular classes.
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- discuss in a group how we can help each other improve
- discuss project work for the day, including safety and job roles
- go out to work, staying with the group, working safely and considering your teammates at all times
- take turns preparing and serving a meal/s to share with the group
- clean up and put away food, dishes and tools
- reflect with everyone at the end of the day about how you’ve gone as a group and individual
- leave hearing and saying positive things
What will be expected of you?
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- arrive on time
- come with a positive attitude, well rested and ready to work
- stay with your group for the whole session (this can include recess and lunch times)
- listen and follow expectations – in safety and behaviour
- be willing and open to trying new things
- do your best, but be open to failing
- be supportive and help others
- share your ideas and opinions
- work outside and in, sometimes getting messy and dirty
- have fun
Mobile phones/personal IT/music devices
Mobile phones and personal IT and music devices are great, but they can cause major distractions when working with others and it is important to work safely. Following school policy, these devices will be looked after by HoL staff who are called artisan-teachers during the day.
What’s in it for me?
Help with school
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- meeting and making new friends
- being part of a supportive group
- gain skills to enjoy the classroom more
- completing meaningful projects
Job ready skills
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- problem solving
- teamwork
- communication skills
- practical and creative skills
- project planning and completion
- tool use and job safety
What other students say about Hands on Learning
It helps us to achieve in the classroom when we didn’t think we could.
In Hands On I feel like I am part of a team and realising that has helped me in other areas of my life
In Hands On I feel like I am part of a team and realising that has helped me in other areas of my life
In Hands On I feel like I am part of a team and realising that has helped me in other areas of my life
At Hands On you do stuff all day, you don’t stop. It’s like doing a practical lesson all day
When I go back to class after a HoL day I work better because I’ve had a break and I can then concentrate more on my work
What next?
Get in touch with the Hands on Learning Coordinator at your school. This should be the person that you got this information from or go to your Year Level Coordinator. They will be able to take you through what to do next at your school.
