‘Adventures in Learning’ was set up in partnership between the Excellence Cluster, Christ Church school and Creative Partnerships who agreed to fund the initial stage. 

The identified consultant provider, Mark Robertson worked with a group of students to explore in an experiential and reflective way what learning is and what it feels like, using role-play, problem-solving, research tools and dynamic assessment techniques.  Pupils applied their research skills to explore what makes effective learning in schools, including reviewing creative activity in school. 

The main aims were to develop pupils’ understanding of learning and what makes effective learning, to develop pupil researchers who can reflect on their own learning and to develop a pilot module that can be replicated in other settings.

Pupils were given opportunities to:
 

• learn more about their own learning styles and how learning happens, through mind maps and discussion
• learn about, and practise, research skills through journals and interviews with other students in the school
• present the activities and techniques they had used to a year 3 class
• share some of their experiences at two large-scale events organised by Creative Partnerships

They were a lively group who rose to the challenge extremely well and generated some fascinating discussion.  One of the most successful aspects was the journals which were widely used at home and in their normal classes as well as in the group sessions.  When interviewed afterwards many students reported that their favourite activity was presenting a mini-lesson in a year 3 class.

The project has now moved on to phase 2 and is being facilitated by a Cluster provider, Richard Evans, at Robsack Wood school in St. Leonards on Sea.  It is hoped to bring the two groups together this summer for a sharing event.  Creative Partnerships are continuing their involvement, and are funding a link with Sussex university to investigate some of the student voice issues raised.