Springwood Primary School
INQUIRY BASED LEARNING
In Springwood, pupils have the opportunity to learn through an inquiry-based approach.
Each inquiry starts with a 'HOOK' that engages the pupils and gets them thinking about the concepts and ideas they want to explore further.
Year 5 exploring lungs, heart and liver as part of their healthy bodies inquiry.
Once the children are inspired and excited, they find out more by sorting information, researching and taking part in challenges that get them thinking and exploring new information. This includes visits, trip and sometimes visitors come into school too.
The experiences are real and authentic so that the children have relatable opportunities to learn from and build new knowledge and skills.
Year 1 visiting our local Waitrose to find out about healthy foods.
Jalessa visited to run dance workshops for all the pupils, so they could try something new that might make their bodies and minds happier and healthier.
Each inquiry ends with a 'Performance of Understanding'. This is how the children can demonstrate their new learning, knowledge and skills. Sometimes we ask parents to come in and take part or watch. the Performance of understanding could be publishing a book, creating a film, putting on an assembly, holding a picnic, opening a shop, or anything else where the pupils can show what they know and what they can do.
Glee club performing for parents and community at our Peter Karrie Concert
At the end of every inquiry, the pupils and teachers reflect and decide on a 'Take Away'. This might be a change in their mindset or a promise to do something differently. The most important thing is that it is a positive change or thought based on the weeks of learning they have done.