COVID interruptions to TAP planning and delivery saw reduced numbers again, but nevertheless, 55 industry and community members contributed their expertise and 88 hours of their time directly to students and teachers in the delivery of curriculum. Some of this was in the classroom, some prerecorded (although less than last year), and only one remote session. We also managed to squeeze in a few excursions. A further 114 hours was planned, had restrictions allowed. This would have involved another 47 members of our extraordinarily generous community!
Robyn Vale's annual compilation of our TAP contributors' input and hours demonstrated that since the TAP started in August 2012, 507 different people have shared their expertise and passion for their community with us.
This year experiences were shared with people as diverse as a celebrated Australian children’s author, alpaca breeders, journalists, local shire councillors, cheese makers, agribusiness consultants, paramedics, mechanical engineers, agronomists, ice cream exponents, dairy farmers, a tourism coordinator, a backpacker, vintage restoration volunteers, veterinarians, food artisans, CFA members, chefs, calf rearers, surf lifesavers, a miniature goat stud owner, tourist experience hosts, entrepreneurs, a marine biologist and an artisan baker who have all shared their knowledge with our school community.
Once again, the TAP has been acknowledged as a best practise model to provide STEM opportunities, give students exposure to a variety of career pathways, investigate real world learning prospects, include parents in career choices, and as an exemplar of how to use applied learning opportunities through agriculture and community to engage students and support teachers to achieve curriculum outcomes right across the curriculum, Years P-12.
The TAP model was showcased to a variety of local, community and regional government organisations including the National Youth Employment Body, Brotherhood of St Laurence, The Hive – SW TAFE, the Victorian Government’s Review into Agriculture Training, Neil Porter Legacy Foundation and CFA Community Bushfire Management Project. Finally, thank you to our inventive teachers and students, for tackling both proven and pioneering options and our creative, supportive school community for your ongoing support of the TAP.