National Literacy and Numeracy week. 29th July – 4th August 2013
Students in STEPS Darwin, Palmerston and Tennant Creek Language and Literacy & Numeracy Program have taken their own journey across the Arts in the lead up to National Literacy & Numeracy week next week.
Adult Literacy and Numeracy students who learn about visual arts develop a better understanding of applying concepts related to space and measurement, such as size, length, distance, volume and time. Students learn about budgeting, costs, ordering, stocktaking, managing money and banking. They can learn about purchasing or selling creative products, marketing processes, workplace health and safety and sustainability when running a business privately or within the community.
STEPS delivers the Federal Governments newly badged “Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE)” throughout the Territory from communities in the Remote Top End down to Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. General Manager for Education & Training, Shelly Campbell, says the success of the program has been partly due to the innovative ways in which our fantastic trainers go about providing experiences and opportunities to develop skills in real world practical situations.
Darwin and Palmerston students recently planned an excursion to local Art Galleries. The students researched the locations of galleries using internet, mapping and reading skills, then planned the walk adhering to health and safety regulations and increasing their community engagement skills. They discussed and documented the type of art and cultural influences and used new skills in time, distance, numeracy and money to plan the event, accounting for how long the excursion would take, the number of students and any costs.
From our trainer:
Whilst on the excursion the students were very mindful of respecting different cultures and the community of Darwin. Our students made a positive link to the Darwin community each person behaved with respect and greatly appreciated chatting with owners of the shop and the artists. They asked questions and showed interest in different art forms and willingly shared their experience with the Darwin community.
The excursion took them to a variety of art galleries to extend their understanding of art styles this included Paul Arnold Photo Gallery, Territory Colours, Maningrida Arts, Mason Gallery and Muk, Muk Gallery. Territory Colours Gallery praised Jane for her wonderful art which is often sold at their gallery. Maningrida Gallery paid recognition to Genevieve’s family who sells beautiful woven items as their gallery.
The students returned from the excursion full of enthusiasm they discussed their experiences whilst creating their own paintings during class. Next week during National Literacy and Numeracy week the students will reflect on their experiences of linking The Arts with Culture. They will use their literacy skills to write / type and research how they feel about the arts and culture, what The Arts mean to them and their experiences on the excursion.
Related News Article: Art, culture give students further skills (NT News, July 2013)
