The successful Alcoa Champions of Maths program will return to the classrooms of four selected primary schools in the Rockingham, Mandurah and Pinjarra areas in Term 3 as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
The Alcoa Champions of Maths Program is delivered by Scitech in partnership with Alcoa Australia to primary schools in the South West, Peel and Kwinana regions. It aims to develop the classroom methods of primary teachers over a year of intensive coaching consisting of expert training, observation, reflection and assisted planning.
In 2020, the new cohort of teachers have been recruited from Oakwood Primary School in Meadow Springs, Ocean Road Primary School in Dawesville, St Joseph's Primary School in Pinjarra and Bungaree Primary School in Rockingham.
The teachers were only able to complete two rounds of in-classroom coaching sessions when COVID-19 social distancing constraints were implemented, effectively suspending all face-to-face interactions.
Scitech adapted the program delivery to multiple digital channels, finding ways to maintain the personal interaction that underpins Scitech's unique STEM engagement. In Term 2, the Champion teachers completed sixteen online coaching sessions, filming their lessons and then uploading them to an online group channel for observation and feedback.
Now, as further restrictions are lifted, Scitech's professional learning consultants can return to the classroom to deliver the program's innovative approach to STEM learning and teaching in person.
Due to the success of the online coaching sessions, the program will now include additional digital interactions, creating a blended delivery model to deepen the learning experience.
Scitech chief executive Kalien Selby said contemporary programs such as Alcoa Champions of Maths had a proven track record for improving the ability and confidence of teachers to prepare their students for the opportunities of a workforce transitioning towards a higher reliance on STEM skills and knowledge.
"Our dedicated team of professional learning consultants didn't miss a beat as they found ways to stay connected to schools despite the ever-shifting COVID landscape. And as they return to the classroom, they have already planted the seeds of success that will shift the dial for teachers and students on their STEM learning journeys."
The Alcoa Champions of Maths program is a component of the successful Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program, that has been in south west WA primary schools since 2012.
In 2019, the inaugural cohort of the Alcoa Champions of Maths program achieved remarkable results, gaining on average 0.6 years of additional learning beyond what is expected in a year.
One class gained an additional 1.6 years of learning and several year six students also showed an interest and ability to work at a university-level of thinking.
