About

// With One Work // is a collaborative initiative between the Benalla Art Gallery and Hume Region Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). The project generates a powerful active learning opportunity for students using an inquiry centred learning approach and open teaching to explore the iconic Australian work //Shearing The Rams//.

The activity involves students in Level 4 and beyond from schools across Hume Region exploring the 120 year old work of Tom Roberts through an integrated VELS curriculum approach. Utilising Socrates ‘ex duco’ questioning principle teachers ‘draw out’ participating students meaning, students then create their own artistic response to the identified work. These then feature in an online e-exhibition with selected works forming an exhibition at Benalla Art Gallery in late October and early November 2010. Students will also have the opportunity to attend the gallery during the exhibition to view the authentic piece and participate in a range of activities extending from the work. The project involves teachers attending the Benalla Art Gallery for an initial professional learning day then returning to their schools to facilitate the strategy during the year. Students are introduced to the work then engage in a learning process of ‘Thinking Planning Creating Sharing and Impact’. The project utilises online learning and seamless incorporation of ICT content and resources to provide sustained support for students and teachers regardless of distance during the project. ICT allows for virtual connections to otherwise inaccessible works and allows for students to engage and explore an ancient culture. It also fosters students’ metacognition skills through active monitoring and reflection of their learning and reflection on their own heritage. This unique cultural education project nurtures a dynamic knowledge environment which encourages teachers and students to draw upon human capital through communication directly with peers, directors, and curators and significant others who are available to contribute or respond to student enquiries. //With One Work// provides an authentic and rich learning experience which cultivates deep understandings, richer expression and allows students work to be celebrated locally and globally.