New England Girls’ School (NEGS) Kindergarten pupils took centre stage last night, presenting the culmination of a year-long Bird Inquiry Project to family and friends at an exhibition evening in Armidale.
Throughout the year, the children observed birds in their school environment, researched local species and explored ways people can help care for the birds they share their world with, along the way taking on the roles of researchers, scientists, artists, designers and storytellers.
NEGS Kindergarten teacher Catherine McCann said the evening invited families and guests into the children’s world.
“Tonight, families and guests will be invited into the children’s world as our Kindergarten Bird Scientists share the culmination of their year-long Bird Inquiry Project,” Ms McCann said.
“They have become researchers, scientists, artists, designers, storytellers and thoughtful citizens.”
The exhibition brought together artworks, intricate clay creations, bird sculptures and other pieces made over the course of the year, forming an immersive display that let visitors trace the children’s ideas from their first observations and questions through to their finished creations.
The children also danced, shared a video capturing moments from their learning journey, and presented their individual bird research to guests, with each child developing a special connection to a particular bird, its habitat, food, features and needs.
Ms McCann said the belief at the heart of the evening was that deep learning begins with wonder.
“At the heart of the evening is the belief that deep learning begins with wonder.
“When children are encouraged to notice, question, investigate, create and share, even a small bird can open the door to extraordinary learning.
“Tonight is a celebration not simply of what Kindergarten has learned about birds, but of who they have become through the learning—curious, capable, creative and caring young citizens.
“Their message is beautifully simple: Observe. Wonder. Care.”
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