Year 6 student Isabelle, shares her experience having completed half a year of the DARE Graduate Diploma.
I am a Year 6 student currently in the DARE Graduate Diploma. Before entering Year 6, I was focused on mainly one part of DARE, the Passion Project. However, early on I realised there was so much more to the DARE program and the Passion Project is only a small part. DARE includes learning more about culture, wellbeing, the world around us, life skills and it provides numerous meaningful experiences to help us for the future.
Working through challenges
One of the challenges I quickly came across in the DARE program is managing my time to keep on top of the work. I have found most of the work to be very sophisticated. It requires more effort than any other year level. I have found that keeping to a schedule both at school and at home is the best way to tackle it. I have also found that speaking to the teachers and knowing what is coming next is helpful.
Excursions and out of classroom learning
The excursions and special privileges that I have been part of in Year 6 are absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed our City Week experience, the Artist in Residence and I am especially looking forward to the Canberra trip, particularly the tour of Parliament House because we learnt about the Australian Parliament earlier in Term 1.
The process of choosing a Passion Project
I spent first term figuring out the DARE Graduate Diploma and what I was going to do for my Passion Project. l knew that I wanted to learn more about sewing. The next step was to find a mentor and figure out the path to the final product for this project. I found it quite challenging to figure out how I was going to structure this whole project. At first I thought I wanted to make a lot of sewing and sell it to raise money for the people in need. I discussed it with my mum and she said that it sounded too complex so I went back to basics and realised I needed to learn how to stitch first. I asked my grandma if she would mentor me. She said yes, and my Passion Project journey began. I have been focusing on learning different stitches and so far have made a bag to carry library books.
What I have learnt
Although I am only halfway through, I have learnt so much from doing the DARE Graduate Diploma. I feel I have matured in taking charge of my own school work and doing more tasks around the house without being asked. I have grown in my confidence and communication skills and enjoyed opportunities to be curious and creative.
Advice for Year 5 students
Some advice I would give to kids in Year 5 going into the DARE Program is to keep a well organised schedule and to stick to it! Organisation will be your friend and your savior. The program will get tough, but see it through. Ask for help when you need to and challenge yourself to do your best. It will be worth it!
What’s up next
For the remainder of the year, the students have a lot to look forward to, including these key highlights: The Canberra Trip, The Jumble Sale, Forktree Project service day, DARE Celebration Night and the Graduation Dinner.
Learn more about the DARE Graduate Diploma
Article shared by Year 6 student, Isabelle.
