Teaching & learning (classroom practice)

The development of Perspectives courses

Project description

Perspectives on Science was written by a team led by Dr John Taylor and Dr Elizabeth Swinbank. The course has been used as a pilot for the proposed Extended Project, which will be nationally available from September 2008. We are now taking the theory and practice of Perspectives on Science to construct a suite of cross curricular courses designed to access every part of the curriculum. The courses have three main components:

• History (critical thinking)
• Ethics
• Philosophy

The aim is to develop skills in critical thinking, independent research, debate and presentation, building self confidence and empowering students to think and to argue in an informed and cogent manner, rooting their thinking in an understanding of the ethical, philosophical and aesthetic frameworks which lie behind current debate. The courses fulfil Examination Board requirements for an Extended Project but go significantly beyond the stated rubric.

We hope to offer these courses to a wider audience and have already made contact with local schools, colleges and sixth form centres to this effect.

Benefits

• The development of a truly creative teaching methodology has already begun to inform our approach to learning throughout the school.
• Our experience of Perspectives on Science has shown us that even those of moderate ability feel empowered by their work in this area and those of high academic potential produce research projects which would rival undergraduate study. The approach is truly "stretching and challenging".
• Partnership with local schools is designed to build social capital and to raise aspirations. Centres most keen to get involved speak of needing something extra for their Gifted and Talented students and see this as a positive addition to their own curriculum.

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