Enquiry and the Learning Environment
Cambridge School wanted to better understand enquiry based learning and how they could utilise this approach within their context.
The structure for this project was based on recommendations, made as a result of the previous year's evaluation. These included working with pupils at selected times when they were more receptive, CPD for staff prior to the project starting, reflection at a time when it is going to be most useful and making sure the project was manageable, class-based with short enquiries.
The project and its outcomes relate to school improvement priorities including:
- continuing development of creative integrated working including Creative Partnerships programme;
- further developing creative learning through use of Reggio Emilia approach;
- developing further links with creative practitioners across community.
The project took place over ten weeks during the spring term and involved Cherry Truluck working with five classes from year 7-10, their teachers and teaching assistants.
Cherry has been involved in the school's exploration around the principles of Reggio Emilia for several years and will continue in her role as 'atelierista', or creative facilitator in residence, bringing a range of media - multi-disciplinary arts, film, new media and crafts - to support the students in accessing their own learning.
The project started with Liz Elders and Deborah Jones of Sightlines Initiative facilitating 2 half-day sessions involving staff. These sessions extended some of the principles of Reggio Emilia.
Building on their work from the previous year, the school developed a structure which allowed more time for reflection. This meant ensuring the time and space needed to discuss content and student responses to each session was identified. They also explored how the next workshop could build on the students' needs and ideas to ensure emergent planning was consistent and appropriate and the project overall was student-led.
Teachers began the projects with an overall theme or topic which was part of their normal curriculum delivery. They had some time to discuss project plans with Cherry before the end of the autumn term and came up with the following themes:
- Communication via Internet and DJing, VJing;
- Data handling via individual learning diaries and games;
- Culture and communities via re-enactments, and news presentations;
- The Arts and Theatre via puppetry climate and a scrap book.
