SOS AUSSIES strives to develop an awareness and appreciation of the interrelationship, uniqueness and diversity of all that is Australia. It promotes positive attitudes and actions towards maintaining a balance in the natural environment and encourages students to choose a role of informed guardianship towards its conservation. The analogy of a jigsaw puzzle in which all pieces interrelate uniquely to form a unified whole may be used to illustrate this concept. The loss of even one ‘piece’ leaves a hole. The loss of too many pieces and the picture begins to disintegrate. So it is with our environment also.
Our objectives are supported and developed by a framework of multi-faceted aims. The program content, technique and procedures have been uniquely designed so that educational, environmental, social and philosophical aims link with each other and are presented as a cohesive unit.
EDUCATIONAL aims:
These are varied and age/grade dependant. They are curriculum based and have been developed after consultation
with State syllabi and the National Science Curriculum. The aims are supportive of Key Learning Areas, especially
Science; SOSE; HSIE; & English. Individual presentations may be modified to reflect specific aims as requested.
(Please refer to Program Topics and Content Page).
ENVIRONMENTAL aims:
*To explore the concept that all components of the indigenous environment are interrelated and interdependent.
*To develop an appreciation of the intricate and highly evolved systems and cycles which exist within the natural
environment and their self regulating nature.
*To promote an awareness of the diversity and fragility of Australian flora, fauna and natural resources and to foster
appropriate attitudes and actions towards their conservation.
*To consider the effects of man’s activities on the environment.
*To explore the concept of compatible co-existence between man, technology and the environment.
*To capture students interest and imagination and motivate them to further explore Australia and the natural environment.
*To encourage active participation in environmentally friendly practices.
*To offer students the opportunity to engage in controlled exploration of the world of LIVE REPTILES as a window giving
insight into one piece of the jigsaw puzzle which makes up the picture called Australia.
* To increase an awareness of some potentially dangerous Australian species and illustrate ‘bush safety’ procedures and
First Aid Treatment.
SOCIAL aims:
*To promote a sense of national pride, unity and loyalty.
*To promote an appreciation of our natural heritage.
*To implement practices which promote self-esteem, are gender neutral and non-racist.
*To promote optimism and enthusiasm towards the present and future world.
*To empower students to recognize the effect of their actions and the value of their contributions no matter how small.
*To promote group co-operation and team-work
*To promote responsible behaviour and actions
*To explore the concept on one’s place and role in the wider national and global ‘community’
PHILOSOPHICAL aims:
*To promote the concept that each child is unique, valued and with a purpose.
*To promote the concept that each indigenous component of the natural environment has a ‘divine right’ to exist and
should not be valued purely on the basis of its function, practical or commercial application.
* To promote a non-judgmental attitude towards living things. Be they of feather, fur or
fin, skin or scale , living things have their place and purpose within the web of life.
* To present a learning experience which promotes a sense of fun , unity and a
positive attitude to life.
© Copyright 2006 SOS Aussies.