The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Primary Education

Last week we attended a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role and implications in education. While we were aware of, and regularly use AI, we were excited and, to be honest, terrified, at the possibilities and speed at which it is being released.

With the rapid advancement of technologies, integrating (AI) into primary education promises to have a huge impact on current teaching methods. While we can’t and don’t aim to replace teachers in regards to explicit instruction and personalisation, AI can be a powerful resource in sourcing material and creating explicit instruction models to ensure our students achieve their best.

We are aware of the importance, and are adept at fostering, creative minds, critical thinking and problem solving in our students. AI offers increasing opportunities to enhance learning experiences within schools and confirms that we are on the right track teaching these skills from an early age. While AI has been around for a while, it is a relatively new concept within primary education with thousands of variants and advances being released weekly. These deliver both benefits and challenges, and its potential to shape the future of education is exciting.

AI  in education ensures all students, regardless of background, have access to creative and interactive learning environments that simulate real-world scenarios, making learning increasingly engaging and immersive for our students. AI has the potential to foster the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills by presenting students with complex challenges and encouraging them to explore multiple solutions. Through interactive AI-based activities and games, students learn to analyse problems, think creatively, and collaborate with peers to find innovative solutions. These experiences not only enhance student understanding  but also equip students with essential skills for success in an increasingly technology-driven world, preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits

Despite its numerous benefits, integrating AI into primary education does pose some challenges and considerations. Keeping abreast of the everchanging advances and ensuring teachers have the training and support to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices and to minimise the possible risks associated with technology use in the classroom.

Regardless of the whether we agree or reject the idea of AI and the possibilities it presents, AI is part of our children’s present and future. As educators we must embrace emerging technologies and ensure our students are able to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, careful consideration and awareness of ethical, privacy, and accessibility concerns is essential to ensure that AI implementation in primary schools is equitable and beneficial for all students. With thoughtful planning, ongoing training and collaboration, AI has the power to shape the future of education and empower young learners to reach their full potential.

Watch this space as it is exciting and constantly changing.

Ken & Jayne

Years Prep-2 with Mrs Ballos

In Performing Arts this term, the main focus has been on Music. Next term, it will be Dance, Term 3 will be Drama, and Term 4 will be a combination of the three. The junior school students have been introduced to the Performing Arts room, routines, behaviour expectations and getting to know each other. The students have explored sounds produced by their voice, body, and a variety of musical instruments through action songs, games, and activities. They will experiment with the different qualities of the sounds they make, such as Long/Short, Loud/Soft, and High/Low, and learn about the musical elements of beat and rhythm. The students will experience Music through singing, dancing, movement and playing musical instruments.

Lots of fun, fun fun!

Years 3-6 with Mrs Keeley

This year we are excited to announce that there will be a Grade 3 to 6 School Production. The students have already started becoming familiar with the script, are preparing for auditions, have made their song selections, and are starting to learn some of the songs that they will be performing.  It will be a big year full of fun, auditions, rehearsals, costumes, prop making, singing, dancing…it’s going to be HUGE!! The production is called ‘Missing Pieces’, and was written back in 2013 by a grade 6 student from Bonbeach Primary School, Max Oliver. It was performed about 10 years ago, and it was such a success, that we have decided to update it a little and perform it for you again. The children are very excited to bring their talent and love for Performing Arts to the stage for you to enjoy.

Make the most of this long weekend by shopping local and feeling good this Sunday March 10th.

Bonbeach Farmers Market have made a huge commitment to the farmers and small-scale food producers, so please, come down, shop local, take the opportunity to connect with the growers and makers and find out the origins of your food!

Bring a basket or purchase a market bag at the gate and get all your shopping from local farmers, makers, growers, bakers, brewers, distillers and artisans this Sunday.

Listen to some music, grab a bite to eat, a fresh juice or coffee and enjoy your morning.

We are here to bring the Bonbeach community the freshest fruit and veg, flowers, meat, sausages, salami, baked goods, sauces, jams & spreads, chutneys, nuts, sustainable re-fills, vegan treats, local honey, beverages, pate', take home food and so much more!

Stay informed with stallholder updates via this event, Bonbeach Farmers' Market Facebook & Instagram pages or sign up to our email newsletter delivered a week before the market.

We can’t wait to see you there!

TIME: 8.30am - 12.30pm
ENTRY: $2 gold coin per adult (children are free)

It is a busy time of year in the garden with the change of seasons as we say farewell to summer and prepare our autumn garden.

Year 5/6 students have been pH testing the soil and working hard by adding compost and chicken manure ready for Autumn/Winter beds. Mr Sandy's class even found the best form of compost in the garden drain! 

Garden club continues to be a hive of activity with garden beds being cleaned out, fresh soil delivered and students have been packaging up seeds to sell on Sunday at the Farmer’s Market!