Usually the school bell is somewhat akin to a starting pistol as students race to get out the door and away from the classroom where they’ve spent most of their day.
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Not so for 30 of Murrumburrah Public School’s primary students though.
For these bright young learners, Monday afternoon means staying back at school for another hour of tutoring with parents, teachers and school learning support officers.
Called Twilight Study, the initiative started with 22 students in Term 4 2014 and is the brainchild of assistant principal Renee Ford and principal Clare Crawford.
“The idea sprung from our executive discussing how, in a very crowded curriculum, do we meet the needs of our gifted and talented students,” Ms Crawford said.
“This is an opportunity to provide individualised after-school instruction around a particular area where students can be extended.”
Ms Crawford said since the trial last year the program has “taken on a life of its own” and it’s all because the students have been given ownership.
“One parent explained their child has become more focused because now they have a say, they’re taking their role as a learner more seriously," Ms Crawford said.
“Parents are very enthusiastic, the place is buzzing, kids are excited about their learning.”
The initiative is made possible by the support of teaching staff and parents, who volunteer their time after school on Monday to make sure as many students as possible can attend.
One such teacher is Ashleigh Humphries.
Ms Humphries is currently in her second year at Murrumburrah Public School after spending two years at the small Maimuru Public School.
She says the session offers the opportunity to teach students in a way you can’t experience with a larger class.
“It helps the students and it helps teachers as well,” Ms Humphries explained.
“It’s hard to know the needs of every student in your class, but we can meet them better in these one-on-one teaching opportunities.
“It’s absolutely rewarding; parents know their kids are getting extra learning and attention beyond the classroom.”
Year 6 student Flynn Vereshaka’s family recently moved back to Australia after six years in America, and he is still adjusting to being in a smaller school and learning under a different system.
Flynn uses the sessions as an opportunity to go through his homework with a teacher.
“It’s really good if you need help with certain things,” Flynn said.
“It’s been helpful, I’ll do it again.”
This week was the last week of Twilight Study for the term, but Ms Crawford explained they are considering their options for the rest of the year based on the feedback from students.
“The students are here because they want to learn and be extended, so we don’t want it to get stale,” Ms Crawford explained.
The school is currently talking to Murrumburrah High School teacher Jan Young about the possibility of a science-based “Genius Hour” next term.
