Quality Teacher Program in Science and Technology
Quality Teacher Program in Science and Technology
What is the Quality Teacher Program ?
The NSW QTP strategy is a three year program of professional development initiatives in six priority areas : Literacy, Numeracy, Information Technology, Mathematics, Science and Vocational Education & Training. Projects have been developed for each priority area to address the needs of teachers.
The NSW QTP three year plan is designed to develop and implement new pedagogies, recognise the commitment of teachers to the value of life-long learning, enhance the quality of teaching and learning, and as a result, improve the status of teaching as a profession.
The 5.1 Project for K-6 Science and Technology support will produce teacher reference materials that explain the content relevant for each stage of the six syllabus content strands.
In addition, the project will produce four professional development modules for each of the stages. Each module will provide practical ideas and strategies for using the teacher reference materials and for implementing the learning process outcomes.
A fifth development module will address school planning with a specific focus on whole school planning in Science and Technology. In conjunction with the Science and Technology consultant, this module is currently being trialled by four Wagga Wagga district schools - Young PS, Junee North PS, Ashmont PS and North Wagga Wagga PS - as well as schools across the state.
In 2003, North Wagga PS, was selected to participate in a Continuing QTP Project. As a result of their participation, a quality Scope and Progression for Science and Technology K-6 was completed by the staff and teachers, Jenny Wall and Sally Staines wrote and implemented units of work addressing the Built Environments outcomes. The learning process focus was 'designing and making'. Jenny's Stage 1 students designed and made a playground/park. Stage 3 students built homes which demonstrated their understanding of energy and sustainability.
The work from North Wagga will be available from the Curriculum Support website in 2004.
For further information about the QTP project and/or materials the following link will be of interest.