The School Without Walls ethos is a child centred approach, with its educational philosophy and methodology firmly rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach. The scheme involves school children undertaking a residency in a cultural venue.
“The project is underpinned by the Reggio Emilia and 5×5×5=creativity approach of allowing children to find and follow their fascinations with the adults facilitating this and scaffolding the learning though a method of co-enquiry. 5×5×5 mentors play a vital role in observing the children and then facilitating refection meetings with the adults to help draw out themes for future lines of enquiry.
The egg is a busy and vibrant venue right in the heart of the historic and cultural centre of the city of Bath and being resident in the venue provides a wealth of inspirational stimuli for creative learning. The plays programmed in the auditorium offer a weekly injection of wide ranging subject matter and artistic excellence; these experiences are enhanced by access to performers, directors and technicians as well as other theatre staff. The plays are quite often a springboard for the subsequent learning that takes place as many have cross curricular and universal themes to draw on. The theatre’s location at the heart of the city provides opportunities for children and young people to discover and engage with different aspects of the city and its culture.”
Headteacher Sue East “The world that opened up with the residency appeared so much more relevant to their true educational needs. Their confidence in themselves increased significantly and was observed in the way they talked to adults. They were also involved in reflecting on their own learning. They were given choices and could explain why and what they would prefer. One child said ‘This is how it should be. The teachers wait and hear our ideas and then we choose what we do. I think the children should always do this. It’s better.”
Read more: School Without Walls