Bright sparks shine in Showcase Awards
15 September 2009
Three schools are counting down until October 29 when they find out who will win the RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation, Rebecca Perry reports.
Radio stars ... Calen District State College students Andrew Simpson and Jonothan O'Neill use the school's radio studio.
Calen District State College
Radio Rocks
Calen District State College, north of Mackay, is making waves with its on-campus radio studio.
For the past three years Year 6 to 12 students have been producing and presenting their own radio programs initially at a local community radio station and now on campus, thanks to a grant from the Whitsunday School Industry Links Scheme.
Senior students gain certificates in broadcasting and also credit towards the Queensland Certificate of Education. The program is improving career pathways and several students have also secured jobs in the broadcast industry.
Principal Brian O'Neill said students had a lot to gain from the hands-on program.
'The big plus is that students are developing their self-esteem and confidence and are becoming better communicators and more tech-savvy,' Mr O'Neill said.
'It is our intention to apply for a community broadcasting licence to transmit to the community from our studio at school.'
Calen District State College website 
Parkhurst State School's Lakum Harder and fellow students use a Nintendo Wii as part of a physical exercise activity.
Parkhurst State School
Maintaining Innovation in a 21st Century Digital Learning Community
A hi-tech overhaul almost two years ago has turned Parkhurst State School in Rockhampton into a leader in technology and a centre of innovative thinking.
The Maintaining Innovation in a 21st Century Digital Learning Community program delivers a quality, future-focused curriculum through digital teaching practices.
The introduction of technology, such as interactive whiteboards and exer-games, has resulted in more engaging teaching. This has captured the interest of students and dramatically changed their outlook to education and learning.
Head of curriculum Moira Downes said the school shared its success with others.
'Technology makes it a very exciting time to be teaching and we have an open door policy to share stories about what we are learning along the way,' Ms Downes said.
Parkhurst State School website
Adult learning ... grandparents and parents learn and perform music alongside students at Virginia State School.
Virginia State School
Music: The Virginia Way
There are often three generations in the one classroom at Virginia State School in Brisbane's north, all taking part in the school's groundbreaking instrumental music program.
Far from putting the kids off music, learning alongside parents and grandparents has led to bumper enrolments.
Music teacher Kathryn McLennan said the program was showing outstanding results.
'More than 70 percent of the senior school learn musical instruments with annual literacy and numeracy results improving across all year levels,' Ms McLennan said.
'Students, families, staff and community members benefit from the program, which unites families, encourages communication and provides students with support and role models.'
Music teachers from around Australia have sought to model their music programs on Virginia State School's, which also sends its music students - young and old - on state and interstate concert tours.
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