Nick James and Kate Yaxley from National Theatre for Children with John Butler Primary College students Sanar Badhan (8), Sidney-Lee Laghton (9, front) and Georgie Glover (11).
Camera IconNick James and Kate Yaxley from National Theatre for Children with John Butler Primary College students Sanar Badhan (8), Sidney-Lee Laghton (9, front) and Georgie Glover (11). Credit: Supplied/Marie Nirme www.communitypix.com.au d491816

Showdown at Waste World education program launched in Butler

Staff WriterNorth Coast Times

A ROBOTICS program to explore scientific problems about recycling and waste launched at John Butler Primary College this term.

The National Theatre for Children gave a live performance of its Showdown at Waste World program at the school on March 20.

The theatre has teamed up with Amberton Beach developer Stockland to deliver a program free to schools in the City of Wanneroo that uses Lego Education robotics, theatre, classroom-friendly software and curriculum-based science projects for primary students.

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It is part of the global movement to foster innovation through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths).

Now in its second year, more than 10,000 students in primary schools across Australia are expected to participate in the Showdown at Waste World program.

Kate Yaxley and Nick James from the National Theatre for Children performing at John Butler Primary College. Marie Nirme
Camera IconKate Yaxley and Nick James from the National Theatre for Children performing at John Butler Primary College. Marie Nirme Credit: Supplied/Marie Nirme

Stockland sustainability manager Penny Austin said the initiative exemplified the Eglinton developer’s commitment to creating sustainable, innovative communities.

“We believe it’s important to not only look after the world in which we live in now, but to ensure the next generation are given the skills and inspiration to continue this work into the future,” she said.

The program is designed to help build students’ confidence to ask questions, define problems and design their own solutions around waste minimisation and recycling.

As well as a curriculum for teachers, schools receive Lego Education kits so students can build a motorized model of what they learn which they will showcase to parents, family and friends at a school expo.

Kate Yaxley performing with the help of student Trey Fairweather (11) . Marie Nirme
Camera IconKate Yaxley performing with the help of student Trey Fairweather (11) . Marie Nirme Credit: Supplied/Marie Nirme

NTC managing director Tobias Benn said live theatre was a great way to educate and inspire students to participate in solving global problems.

“These children are watching a story unfold right before their very eyes, with the two actors playing all sorts of characters,” he said.

“We don’t lose the kids’ attention for a minute, because they get to respond and interact with the show.

“It really sticks with them and inspires them to participate in the follow-up hands-on, STEM-based learning.”

Schools can register their interest for the Waste World program at www.wasteworld.com.au.