Partnership Case Study
Newport Gardens Primary School: Study 1
Students at Newport Gardens set out to confront a problem hiding in plain sight: the growing build-up of litter in and around their school grounds. What began as frustration quickly turned into purpose as students used the Fluencies to investigate why littering persisted and what they could do to shift behaviour in their community.
Our PARTNER
Newport Gardens Primary School
SETTING
Urban School
Newport, VIC
ENGAGEMENT
Multi-year partnership
FOCUS AREAS
Whole-staff implementation of the Culture of Excellence Program
Reshaping Community Outlook and Inspiring Long-Term Responsibility Among Learners
Case Summary
The LitterBugs explored the causes of littering, interviewed their peers, and mapped hotspots around the school. They designed targeted campaigns, including posters, announcements, and student-driven reminders that reframed littering as a shared responsibility. Their final solutions reduced litter across key areas and sparked ongoing environmental awareness throughout the school.
Did students demonstrate ownership and independence in their learning?
98%
Did the Fluencies help students think critically about real-world issues?
97%
Did the project increase engagement and motivation in your classroom?
99%
Did the project strengthen collaboration and communication among students?
96%
Did the learning outcomes meaningfully connect to your school community?
98%
(Percentages reflect staff who agreed or strongly agreed.)
In Their Words
-
“The Fluencies gave our students a powerful way to take ownership of their learning and step into real-world problem-solving.”
-
“We watched students question, critique, and challenge information with a level of maturity we rarely see in traditional units.”
-
“The shift from teacher-led to student-driven learning changed the whole culture of our classroom almost overnight.”
-
“Students weren’t waiting for direction — they were leading the inquiry and showing genuine pride in what they created.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive -
“The Fluencies helped us deliver the curriculum in ways that felt relevant and connected to students’ everyday lives.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive
“We want every child to see themselves as a capable thinker, a problem-solver, and an active contributor to their community. This has transformed the way our students learn and the way our teachers teach. What stands out most is the confidence, independence, and ownership our students now bring to every challenge. Their projects don’t just meet curriculum standards — they shape culture, strengthen wellbeing, and build pride across our whole school.”
Principal, Newport Gardens Primary School