Following the success of ‘The Leonardo Effect TM’ pilot devised by St. Mary’s University College, Belfast which involved schools across the British Isles, and was funded by NESTA. Further work is being developed in Crookfur and good practice shared throughout the school. The project had joint learning outcomes for both art and science where neither subject played a secondary role. It took learning and teaching to a level where the pupils were involved in actively leading and engaging with the subjects of art and science. As the project progressed it was evident that it meets many of the demands of A Curriculum for Excellence. A working group has been established and the aim is to further develop this approach through other topic areas. The working group will engage with the Curriculum for Excellence science outcomes and identify the areas they will focus on, devising a project synchronising art and science. The science outcomes are designed to stimulate children’s interest and motivation and an important aspect of the work will be to ensure effective learning and teaching through the skilful use of varied approaches that also take account of the four capacities. Elements of choice will be built into the project in such a way that pupils determine the direction. Planning will be a creative and imaginative process that is not prescriptive. The learning in science and art will come from experience, curiosity and enjoyment of the world around them. Aspects of AifL will be used throughout the project, where the teacher’s role is as a facilitator and pupils are fully involved in identifying the next steps in their learning. The project will include space for learning beyond subject boundaries and include opportunities for literacy, maths, ICT, therefore enabling learners to make connections between different areas of learning. It will provide opportunities for pupils to develop their organisational skills, teamwork and creativity. Based on the four stage methodology of the ‘Leonardo Effect’ the elements of observing & gathering information, developing ideas, creation, and extension a programme will be devised and piloted in term 4 of this current school year. In developing the project staff will relate very closely to Curriculum for Excellence in terms of the science outcomes and the four capacities as they plan the learning and teaching approaches. | 