Hands-on at Dover District School

Students at Dover District School are leaving a lasting legacy while developing practical skills, confidence and stronger connections to their school through Hands on Learning.

Supported by the Tasmanian Community Fund, Hands on Learning engages students in meaningful, hands-on projects that strengthen connections to education through practical learning experiences.

One recent project saw students design and help construct a new pergola and seating area, working alongside a local builder to bring their ideas to life.

Hands on Learning School Support Manager – Southern Tasmania Tim Johnstone said students played an active role from the earliest planning stages through to construction.

“The students provided drawings and sketches of what they wanted the space to look like before working alongside a local builder during construction,” he said.

“They helped install the footings, raise the posts and construct the frame, experiencing a day that closely mirrored what it’s like working in the building trades.”

Along the way, students developed practical construction skills while also gaining valuable insight into future career pathways.

“Perhaps the most valuable experience was working alongside the builder, who shared not only his techniques but also the realities of starting a trade,” Mr Johnstone said.

“One student was overheard saying, ‘I could do this,’ which showed the confidence and self-belief the project helped build.”

The completed pergola is now used as a meeting space for Hands on Learning participants as well as a breakout area for science classes and a creative learning space for art students.

Mr Johnstone said seeing the project used by the wider school community had been particularly rewarding for the students involved.

“These types of projects are incredibly effective because students can immediately see the impact they've had,” he said.

“The Dover students found it really meaningful to know they had created something useful that other students and staff would benefit from.”

The project has also strengthened connections across the school, with students outside the Hands on Learning program choosing to spend their break times in the new space.

“Students from the wider school community feel that sense of connection. They want to be in that space and they feel safe to be there,” Mr Johnstone said.

The sense of ownership created through the project has been so strong that participating students even discussed installing a commemorative plaque so future students, siblings and family members could see who helped build the structure.