Students today expect a certain level of technology and, for Special Religious Education (SRE) teacher Les Moreman, the opportunity to have access to an interactive whiteboard for his scripture classes at Armidale High School was just what he needed to further engage his students in Special Religious Education.
Funds for the interactive whiteboard came from local nondenominational Christian group Armidale Youth Futures (AYF) who support Special Religious Education programs in both Armidale and Duval High Schools providing an SRE teacher in both schools.
Armidale High School Principal Anne Matley received a proposal from the AYF to support the SRE program in the school by providing an interactive whiteboard and have a dedicated classroom for Special Religious Education.
“Les has 10 Year 7 and 8 classes in a fortnight in the classroom and is able to now use the latest technology in his teaching,” said Anne Matley.
“When Les is not teaching in this classroom, because of the generous donation from AYF, the teacher in this class can also use the interactive whiteboard.
“This technology is a great tool but, from what we can see, it does engage the kids a lot quicker, it’s interactive and a great visual tool in the classroom.”
Armidale Youth Futures spokesperson Barbara East was thrilled to be able to bring the interactive whiteboard to the school.
“The school has kindly given AYF and Les this opportunity to make the teaching of SRE as culturally relevant to young people as possible,” Barbara East said.
“We represent all the Christian Churches in Armidale and we are endorsed by the Armidale Ministers Fellowship, which is really important for us as an organisation, because we are not for profit.
“We want to support the community and we do what we can to support the school.”
The SRE program has been running successfully at Armidale High School for five years, with Les in the role for the last two years.
“In SRE, we talk about things to do with life, how we live our life and what God has to do with our life,” said Les.
“We use the board for multi-media presentations, videos and have access to a big range of good material that is helpful for young people to make those connections.
“There is a terrific participation in SRE at Armidale High, with the kids enthusiastic about coming to class, particularly since we have moved to the dedicated classroom, providing stability to the program.”
