Learning through Innovation at Crossways - 2006 Update

The 'Learning through Innovation' project was an exciting initiative run by S. Gloucestershire LEA and funded by the DfES. Crossways Junior and Infant schools were fortunate enough to have been selected to take part in the project, which ran in selected schools across the county between 2003 and 2005. This has led to the school re-evaluating how our teachers? teach and our children learn.

What effect has it had on the school?

The project was aimed at improving children's learning by training teachers in the principles of 'Accelerated Learning', a group of teaching techniques which draws on recent scientific studies into how the brain acquires new skills and knowledge. The project also looked at how ICT could be used to develop learning skills.

As a result of the project the classroom environment has changed a great deal. 'High challenge, low stress' is one mantra of the project, so in many classes you may see calming displays, hear mood music and see children working on the floor! It all sounds a bit wacky, but it is based on sound research into what conditions the brain works in best. Another impact on the classroom environment may be the type of displays on the classroom walls. Research has shown that we often remember information if it is presented to us visually on a daily basis. Therefore classroom displays may contain key vocabulary, diagrams and pictures which stimulate children?s mental recall. We haven't done away with celebrating children's work through displays either. Some classes have special achievement boards where children can select for themselves a piece of work to display, and around the school boards celebrate the high quality work children produce.

The project has also affected other learning spaces. The library has just been completely re-fitted and restocked with new books and 5 PC's to encourage independent and collaborative learning. The computer suite is also soon to be redesigned as a 'learning zone'. This will still include 15 PC's, but will be designed as a flexible learning space where children can collaborate on creative e-learning projects such as animation, digital video and sound editing.

Indeed, the project sparked massive investment in ICT infrastructure. The school now has 16 wi-fi laptops which have led to digital resources becoming more instantly accessible and every class benefits from interactive whiteboards.

The school is currently looking at how marking and assessment can be tailored to the needs of individual children. This approach, know as 'ssessment for learning'is proving extremely popular with the children and is already improving children?s work.

Click here to find out about our joint learning styles workshop with Manorbrook.

Click here to view Year 5's Animation Projects.