Wild Woodland Explorers – Althorpe & Keadby Primary School
Summary:
The Wild Woodland Explorers project was driven by the Althorpe and Keadby Primary school’s interest in developing outdoor spaces for learning, as well as strengthening whole school use of technology and improving children’s literacy skills.
With more of a focus on curriculum and KS2 year groups, the school hoped to further develop its relationships with practitioners established in the first year of their Creative Partnerships Change School project. Based on the outcomes of the CSDF and in line with SDP objectives, the project focused on ICT and improving pupils’ writing, speaking and listening skills while encouraging collaborative, experience-based learning in groups.
Enquiry Question:
How can we develop and improve digital media and literacy skills in KS2, using outdoor spaces to encourage collaborative, experience-based learning?
Project Description:
Responding to the specific needs of Year 4 and 5 classes, teaching staff and practitioners worked together to develop a curriculum-catered project, mutually developing creative approaches to themed programming. Carrying forward momentum from parent involvement with outdoor spaces from last year, parents were invited to become involved, sharing skills and participating throughout the delivery phase.
The project included two phases; an initial phase with introductory delivery sessions in classrooms and using outdoor spaces, and a second concentrated period of delivery.
Phase 1:
Creative practitioners, David Brook and James Bridger from Blueprint: Film worked with year 5 pupils on an ‘Explorers’ theme, helping them to create a series of mini historical radio plays that will then be turned into podcasts. CPD sessions with year 5 and 6 teachers developed skills creating podcasts and blogging, creating a blog for the wider project.
Phase 2:
Visual artist Michele Davy worked with year 4 pupils on ‘Environmental/ Settlement’ theme, both in the classroom and using outdoor spaces, alongside CPD sessions with year 3 and 4 teachers to develop strategies for creative teaching using the environment.
Parents were invited to participate throughout the tree planting and main delivery phase, sharing skills and developing a mutual sense of ownership of the project.
Project Outcomes:
During the project, the pupils were encouraged to plan every aspect of their project, thus giving a real sense of ownership of their own learning.
New ICT skills and knowledge about the environment developed across staff. Creative approaches to teaching literacy were also introduced and shared.
Pupils were encouraged to make a personal record of the project through their thoughts and evaluations. Teachers also kept their own reflective diaries.
The project concluded with a showcase afternoon on 28 April 2010 where the school celebrated the work done in front of the whole school and invited guests from the wider community.
