GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AREA
Amy starting out a new job can be tough, especially when it involves moving to a community in which you have not yet had a lot of experience with. While this can be a difficult task it is important to both know and understand your new surroundings, as this is where the students in your class are coming from. Immersing yourself in the area and building positive rapports and relations with community members will prove to be valuable associations throughout your career. It is also vital to know the surroundings of the school for use of community resources throughout the year for excursions, performances, sporting trips etc. Through this you will be able effectively utilise your surroundings and take advantage of community events and resources. Below are some resources which you could use to help point you in the right direction on this issue.
- My School Website
This website will provide you with valuable statistical and contextual information about your select school. Use this information to gain background knowledge on the school.
- Information Package on South West Sydney
This website introduces you to the regional director of South – West Sydney, Tom Urry and provides you with contact details for schools residing in this area. It also identifies the focus and goals of schools in this community.
- Campbelltown City Council
Utilise this centre to get to know and understand your surroundings. This centre will allow you to take advantage of your geographic location through understanding the communities’ benefits. (Can also be useful for future school excursions etc by knowing what the community has to offer).
- Demographics - Western Sydney
This is a web page provided by the NSW government giving information about the demographics of Western Sydney. It provides you with information about whats on in your local area and aspects of the surrounding areas which may interest in.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
This website is easy to navigate and will provide you with statistics about the demographics of your area and give you major insight into the social and economic structure of your suburb.
- Situational Analysis Template
This template is useful when planning and programming for your class. It will help cater for your students' needs by understanding their context and surroundings.
