EQUIPPING students with real-life skills is an oft-repeated mantra at education institutions, especially at tertiary level.
Educators at Peninsula International School Australia (Malaysia Campus), however, believe in instilling these real-life skills from an early age, allowing students to clearly see how their lessons are translated into every day applications.
This approach is best illustrated with a recent graphic design project involving Year 9 and 10 students, requiring them to collaborate with Fitness First Malaysia for an authentic learning experience.
Fitness First’s marketing department had reached out to Christopher Gavin, Peninsula’s Head of Innovation and Technology, with a proposal for students to design social media posts highlighting children and fitness in conjunction with World Children’s Day.
An internal competition was held whereby students were to design and create a digital poster using recently taught skills from their Graphic Design module.
The theme was “How we motivate the young generation to stay active in their fitness journey” and because students were dealing with an actual real-life client, they had to strictly adhere to Fitness First’s brand guidelines.
All entries were sent to Fitness First and four were chosen to represent the client’s campaign, which were highlighted on Fitness First’s social media platforms.
“I am amazed by the students’ interpretation of fitness through their eyes. From catchy slogans, to on-point visuals, their artwork could pass off as work produced by our in-house design team,” observed Fitness First marketing manager Janet Low.
Gavin was keen to emphasise that client-based learning opportunities allow students to develop communication, critical thinking, problem solving and future career skills.
“This design competition allowed students to clearly see where and how their skills can be applied. It was fun and stimulating whist challenging young minds to see practical applications of their school lessons,” he remarked.
Peninsula International School Australia (Malaysia Campus) offers the Australian syllabus culminating in the Victorian Certificate of Education.
Located in Setia Alam, it caters to students aged between five and 17. For more information, visit www.peninsula.edu.my. – Nov 25, 2022
