QWEST

Student + whanau contact

What are the Key Competencies?

What is Inquiry Based Learning?

Lesson 1What is QWest?

Lesson 2 What are the key competencies?

Key Competencies Explained:

What is QWest?

QWest is an inquiry based learning program that focuses on the Key Competencies from the New Zealand Curriculum.

Qwest is teacher facilitated and develops students ability to lead their own learning through a supported inquiry process.

The aim for QWest students is to learn how to direct their own studies, manage themselves, participate and contribute, use language/symbols/text, relate to others and use thinking skills.

In Year 9 QWest students will be able to choose from 5 different Qwest themes each term and will be supported by their teacher to develop their Key Competencies and will learn Digital Fluency, Research, Presentation and Idea Development skills along the way that will support their learning in all of their curriculum areas.

Student + whanau contact

If you have questions, comments or suggestions about QWest, please feel free to contact Su Coutts or Lisa Steenhauer, Teachers in Charge of QWest 2025.

What are the Key Competencies?

People use these competencies to live, learn, work, and contribute as active members of their communities. More complex than skills, the competencies draw also on knowledge, attitudes, and values in ways that lead to action. They are not separate or stand-alone. They are the key to learning in every learning area.
Click on the KEY COMPETENCIES TAB at the top of this page to learn more about the 5 Key competencies.

What is Inquiry Based Learning?

Lesson 1
What is QWest?

Do Now Activity: Look at the Inquiry Process Diagram - what do you think the word "provocation" means? Discuss with the person next to you and share your ideas with the class on the whiteboard brainstorm.

What is QWest?
Watch the short video "Inquiry Based Learning"
Class discussion facilitated by the teacher. What is QWest about? What are the expectations for how you will learn in QWest?

Activity:
In pairs, choose a provocation topic from either:

"How can we make our town a better place for young people?"

"How can we reduce waste in our school or neighborhood?" – A practical environmental inquiry with actionable outcomes.

If you finish with those, you can discuss another topic: "What does it take to start a successful small business in our community?"

Draw a diagram using the Inquiry Process drawing and brainstorm HOW you might do each part of the cycle for the provocation you have selected.
Resources: Inquiry Process Diagram (cast from learning site), sample provocation topics, paper, pens/pencils.
Share your diagram with the class.

Exit Cards: at the end of the lesson fill in the exit card question. "How is QWest different from other subjects?"

Lesson 2 What are the key competencies?

Activity: Work in pairs in answer the quiz on which Key Competency is being demonstrated in each examples. Review the answers with the teacher.
At the end of the Do Now time - open your chromebook and find the Key Competency tab on the Qwest Learning site. Check your answers. How did you go?

Exit Card: Who do you go to if you have a question about QWest?

Key Competencies Explained:

Managing Self: Managing self means being responsible, staying motivated, and setting goals. It’s about being able to work independently and keep going, even when things get tough. A good example is when a student completes homework on time without being reminded or keeps practising a skill to improve. This competency helps build resilience and self-discipline, which are important for success in learning and life.

Relating to Others: Relating to others is about understanding different perspectives, listening actively, and working well with different people. This means being respectful, solving conflicts peacefully, and learning from others. For example, a student who helps a classmate understand a lesson or works well in a group project is showing this skill. Being able to relate to others is important because we live in a diverse world where teamwork is often needed.

Thinking: Thinking is about using logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills to understand information and make decisions. It includes asking questions, analysing different ideas, and making connections between what we know and new things we learn. A student who reflects on mistakes and tries a new strategy to solve a maths problem is practising this competency. Being a strong thinker helps people adapt and make smart choices in any situation.

Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: This competency is about understanding and using different ways of communicating, such as words, numbers, images, and signs. It includes reading, writing, speaking, and understanding symbols in subjects like maths and science. For example, a student who can read a map, understand a scientific diagram, or explain a poem is using this skill. Good communication helps people share ideas and learn more effectively.

Participating and Contributing: Participating and contributing means being an active and helpful member of different groups, such as a class, school, or community. It includes working as a team, taking on responsibilities, and making a positive impact. A student who helps organise a school event or volunteers to lead a project is showing this skill. Being involved helps build confidence and makes a difference in the world around us.

________________________________________

Quiz Questions:

1. A student completes a science project before the deadline without reminders. Which competency does this demonstrate?

2. A classmate listens carefully and acknowledges different viewpoints during a debate. What key competency is being shown?

3. A student helps a new student navigate their first day at school. Which competency does this reflect?

4. A student understands how to interpret a scientific graph to analyse climate trends. What competency does this demonstrate?

5. A group of students work together to organise a community clean-up event. Which competency does this represent?

6. A student persistently works through a difficult maths problem instead of giving up. Which competency is this an example of?

7. A student questions assumptions and evaluates different perspectives before forming an opinion. What key competency is being practised?

8. A student volunteers to lead a group project and ensures all members contribute. Which competency does this reflect?

9. A student plays the “devil’s advocate” to encourage classmates to see different viewpoints in a discussion. What competency is being used?

10. A student explains how a particular symbol has different meanings in different contexts. Which competency does this demonstrate?

11. A student negotiates calmly to resolve a disagreement with a peer. What competency does this relate to?

12. A student learns a second language and begins to understand cultural differences through language. Which competency is being developed?

13. A student reflects on their mistakes and figures out a new approach to solving a problem. What competency is this an example of?

14. A student speaks during an assembly and confidently conveys a message to the audience. Which competency is being demonstrated?

15. A student notices a gap in understanding during a lesson and asks a clarifying question to deepen learning. What competency does this show?

________________________________________

Answer Key:

1. Managing Self

2. Relating to Others

3. Relating to Others

4. Using Language, Symbols, and Texts

5. Participating and Contributing

6. Managing Self

7. Thinking

8. Participating and Contributing

9. Relating to Others

10. Using Language, Symbols, and Texts

11. Relating to Others

12. Using Language, Symbols, and Texts

13. Thinking

14. Participating and Contributing

15. Thinking

Page updated

Report abuse