Highlighting some of the outstanding work done by students during the year, Irwin High School, in St James, recently held an exposition featuring work from various departments - a move which teachers consider a great motivating factor for students.

"For the most part, it is motivational, because when they (students) see what they are able to produce ... they are motivated to do even better," said expo facilitator Jennifer Richards.

She explained that every year when the students see the exhibition it motivates them to have their work on show, thus making them more committed and encouraging them to give of their best.

The exposition consisted of booths which featured the highlights of various subject areas, such as biology, agricultural science, home economics, sports, English language and business, among others.

Discovery learning

"As a result of doing projects (which are highlighted during the expo), what we are getting is more like discovery learning and that is something that we are fostering now because teachers alone cannot do everything," said Dania Bonnick, biology teacher at the school.

These sentiments were echoed by Richards, who said, "Because the information is on display, the students get a chance to become more intimate with the information because they come and read it and ask about it, and we feel that this is also a way of getting them hooked on the information."

Beneficial

In at least three subject areas, newspapers were heavily utilised to facilitate learning, proving that the popular Newspapers In Education series hosted by the Gleaner Company is indeed beneficial to teachers and students.

"Students come and request them (the newspapers) because they are very rich in terms of discussion and they aid with the writing of essays," said Richards. "We don't just want to sell the paper, we want to use it to make a difference."

This is the third annual exposition being held at the school. The exposition is usually held during Education Week and showcases the best of students' work.

Said Richards: "What we're really doing is putting on show the best of the students' production throughout the year, and so ... whatever is done in a department that is creditable and needs commendation, we make sure that it is displayed so it can be viewed by students and parents."

The English Language Department at Irwin High School fully utilises newspapers as a means of educating its students. This was a part of the display during a recent expo held at the school.

Under the theme 'Eat what you grow, grow what you eat', these Irwin High School agricultural science students show off their display, which was a hit, during the annual exposition hosted at the school.

- Photos by Denise Reid