Our Big Backyard – Authentic Learning in Action at Riverdale Primary School

Written by Melissa McDonald, Acting Prinicipal, Riverdale Primary School

Learning has the greatest impact when students can see its purpose, share it with others and make connections beyond the classroom. Our National Science Week Our Big Backyard Little Para Guided Walk was a wonderful example of this in action.

On 20 August, a crisp, cool morning with a little cloud cover provided the perfect setting for our Year 3/4 students to share their learning along the Little Para River. What made the experience particularly special was the audience. Parents and grandparents joined us, but so too did members of the broader community with no direct connection to Riverdale Primary School, coming along to hear what our students had to say and learn more about our local environment.

Our students became the experts. Supported by Mrs Bishop, they confidently shared their knowledge of the Little Para River, local wildlife and the importance of caring for the natural environment. The opportunity to speak with an authentic audience gave their learning genuine purpose while developing confidence, communication and leadership skills.

The learning continued through opportunities to examine native animal skins and engage in conversations about the wildlife found within our local environment. More importantly, students were able to see that the knowledge they develop at school can be used to inform, engage and connect with others.

We are incredibly proud of our 24 student guides and grateful to Mrs Bishop for supporting such a rich and authentic learning experience. We also acknowledge the support of the Australian Science Teachers Association in helping make this National Science Week event possible, alongside our valued partnerships with Green Adelaide and the City of Salisbury. Together, these connections create opportunities for our students to take their learning beyond the classroom and engage meaningfully with the people, places and environment of their local community.

Our Big Backyard - Our Big Backyard Little Para River – South Australia – Our Big Backyard