05

From the Classroom to the Community

Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club is taking Greta’s ideas into consideration after her Year 5 Techspo project prompted her to consider beach safety at Gunnamatta Beach.

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    
Greta is a Nipper at Gunnamatta Beach Surf Life Saving Club
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Greta has been asked to support upcoming presentations with local council and help discuss solutions involving elements of her app. Greta is thrilled that she has been able to help her wider community and seeing the ideas from her app “come to life and make a difference is really exciting!”, she shared.

Reflecting on her project, Greta says that research was a challenge for her due to the lack of information on the internet. However, by combining her existing knowledge, feedback from her teacher, trips to the beach and ‘Gunna SLSC’ with her Dad, Greta collected what she needed to make the app.  

The School, Greta’s parents, teachers and members of the Gunnamatta SLSC are proud of the work Greta has done and the courage and conscientiousness she has demonstrated in taking her project one step further to her community. At Wildfell, our students are exposed to a brilliant melding of the primary and secondary education models, enriching and extending the learning experiences for upper primary students as they prepare for transition to Year 7. The Year 5 Techspo is the perfect example of this, enabling students the space and resources to complete projects involving higher-level thinking, while giving them the space to explore their changing interests and as another student Alix reflected, it’s “the #1 hotspot for learning how to create apps.”  

Greta has loved her Wildfell experience so far, especially the open space in the learning studios that allows students to connect with each other despite being in different classes. She also adored Camp in Anglesea, and her teacher, Ms Stephenson.

We are delighted that Greta’s engagement with the curriculum has shown her and her peers the real impact they can have on tackling real problems in their communities! When asked if she has advice for this year’s Year 5s in undertaking their Techspo project, she said: “Make sure your app is on a topic you are really passionate about. This will help you strive to make a meaningful app.”

Greta has been asked to support upcoming presentations with local council and help discuss solutions involving elements of her app. Greta is thrilled that she has been able to help her wider community and seeing the ideas from her app “come to life and make a difference is really exciting!”, she shared.

Reflecting on her project, Greta says that research was a challenge for her due to the lack of information on the internet. However, by combining her existing knowledge, feedback from her teacher, trips to the beach and ‘Gunna SLSC’ with her Dad, Greta collected what she needed to make the app.  

The School, Greta’s parents, teachers and members of the Gunnamatta SLSC are proud of the work Greta has done and the courage and conscientiousness she has demonstrated in taking her project one step further to her community. At Wildfell, our students are exposed to a brilliant melding of the primary and secondary education models, enriching and extending the learning experiences for upper primary students as they prepare for transition to Year 7. The Year 5 Techspo is the perfect example of this, enabling students the space and resources to complete projects involving higher-level thinking, while giving them the space to explore their changing interests and as another student Alix reflected, it’s “the #1 hotspot for learning how to create apps.”  

Greta has loved her Wildfell experience so far, especially the open space in the learning studios that allows students to connect with each other despite being in different classes. She also adored Camp in Anglesea, and her teacher, Ms Stephenson.

We are delighted that Greta’s engagement with the curriculum has shown her and her peers the real impact they can have on tackling real problems in their communities! When asked if she has advice for this year’s Year 5s in undertaking their Techspo project, she said: “Make sure your app is on a topic you are really passionate about. This will help you strive to make a meaningful app.”

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05

From the Classroom to the Community

Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club is taking Greta’s ideas into consideration after her Year 5 Techspo project prompted her to consider beach safety at Gunnamatta Beach.

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

Year 5 students engage in a comprehensive research project as part of their Cross Curricular unit of study. The aim of this project is to foster research skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through the creation of an app that helps address a concern within their community.  

Students investigate how technology can be used to solve problems and discover how to build an app through stages of workflow including planning, trial and error, evaluation and feedback. Exploring digital systems, observing different user interfaces and how these allow a user to interact with an app or website teaches them to evaluate the usability of platforms and how certain design features can alter the user experience – all very important things to consider when designing an app themselves!

At the outset of the unit, students are encouraged to consider an issue in their community, something that they are passionate about that they might be able to solve. This helps create meaning and engagement with their learning, building inherent motivation to research a topic they care about, while asking them to think deeply about formulating a solution – how can this issue be actionably addressed?  

Greta has been fortunate to learn all about beach safety, currents and rips at Gunnamatta Beach – one of the most dangerous beaches in Victoria – through being a Nipper. However, as a future lifesaver, Greta is concerned about the lack of knowledge and awareness tourists and visitors have around water safety at the beach, putting “many in potential danger every day”.  

“Whilst locals may have a better understanding of the rules, my app is designed to target tourists and visitors because they may not have a strong knowledge like locals and surf life saving club members.”

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    

This topic is important to Greta, because she finds it difficult to see beachgoers in trouble or unaware. Greta’s app, Gunnamatta Does Matter, aims to educate those who might be less knowledgeable about the Gunnamatta area and “helps raise awareness for locals and tourists who visit the beach”. It includes different features, including an interactive quiz, that help reinforce what they have learned. Users of Gunnamatta Does Matter can ‘opt in’ to receiving information such as patrol times, tide times and safety updates, “making people more aware” of the risks they may face.  

Greta enjoyed building the app and designing the different elements, including the quiz and a little clip she cut together of pictures from Nippers. Alongside her classmates, Greta shared her app and research with older peers, staff and families at the Year 5 Techspo event, which is a vibrant celebration of learning in the Year 5 Learning Studio at Wildfell.  

Greta’s project, however, did not end there. In February 2025, Greta bravely pitched her ideas to club members at the Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club Committee meeting. Despite being “quite nervous” (it was her first time presenting to a group of adults), Greta presented with confidence and ease, according to the Gunnamatta SLSC members. She was able to  articulate the problem and “a well thought out solution”.  

“When I envisioned this pitch, I imagined placing signs with QR codes at local shops, Gunnamatta Beach, and other nearby local areas to direct people to download the app. The goal of my app is to display important information in a clear, fun and interactive way.”    
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Greta is a Nipper at Gunnamatta Beach Surf Life Saving Club
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Greta has been asked to support upcoming presentations with local council and help discuss solutions involving elements of her app. Greta is thrilled that she has been able to help her wider community and seeing the ideas from her app “come to life and make a difference is really exciting!”, she shared.

Reflecting on her project, Greta says that research was a challenge for her due to the lack of information on the internet. However, by combining her existing knowledge, feedback from her teacher, trips to the beach and ‘Gunna SLSC’ with her Dad, Greta collected what she needed to make the app.  

The School, Greta’s parents, teachers and members of the Gunnamatta SLSC are proud of the work Greta has done and the courage and conscientiousness she has demonstrated in taking her project one step further to her community. At Wildfell, our students are exposed to a brilliant melding of the primary and secondary education models, enriching and extending the learning experiences for upper primary students as they prepare for transition to Year 7. The Year 5 Techspo is the perfect example of this, enabling students the space and resources to complete projects involving higher-level thinking, while giving them the space to explore their changing interests and as another student Alix reflected, it’s “the #1 hotspot for learning how to create apps.”  

Greta has loved her Wildfell experience so far, especially the open space in the learning studios that allows students to connect with each other despite being in different classes. She also adored Camp in Anglesea, and her teacher, Ms Stephenson.

We are delighted that Greta’s engagement with the curriculum has shown her and her peers the real impact they can have on tackling real problems in their communities! When asked if she has advice for this year’s Year 5s in undertaking their Techspo project, she said: “Make sure your app is on a topic you are really passionate about. This will help you strive to make a meaningful app.”

Greta has been asked to support upcoming presentations with local council and help discuss solutions involving elements of her app. Greta is thrilled that she has been able to help her wider community and seeing the ideas from her app “come to life and make a difference is really exciting!”, she shared.

Reflecting on her project, Greta says that research was a challenge for her due to the lack of information on the internet. However, by combining her existing knowledge, feedback from her teacher, trips to the beach and ‘Gunna SLSC’ with her Dad, Greta collected what she needed to make the app.  

The School, Greta’s parents, teachers and members of the Gunnamatta SLSC are proud of the work Greta has done and the courage and conscientiousness she has demonstrated in taking her project one step further to her community. At Wildfell, our students are exposed to a brilliant melding of the primary and secondary education models, enriching and extending the learning experiences for upper primary students as they prepare for transition to Year 7. The Year 5 Techspo is the perfect example of this, enabling students the space and resources to complete projects involving higher-level thinking, while giving them the space to explore their changing interests and as another student Alix reflected, it’s “the #1 hotspot for learning how to create apps.”  

Greta has loved her Wildfell experience so far, especially the open space in the learning studios that allows students to connect with each other despite being in different classes. She also adored Camp in Anglesea, and her teacher, Ms Stephenson.

We are delighted that Greta’s engagement with the curriculum has shown her and her peers the real impact they can have on tackling real problems in their communities! When asked if she has advice for this year’s Year 5s in undertaking their Techspo project, she said: “Make sure your app is on a topic you are really passionate about. This will help you strive to make a meaningful app.”

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