Stirling Council - Mysteries Inc

In preparation for the project, the education authority offered two days of staff development and two twilight sessions, providing opportunity and encouragement to explore methodology underpinning Curriculum for Excellence, develop an active learning approach, engage in professional dialogue, establish networking for the project and have fun. Every teacher received support with pre-planning and organising the final conference and sharing workshops. Every class had at least one half-day visit, and coaching in context by the education officers involved was available if requested. Teachers planned and worked collaboratively on the mysteries.

The culmination of the project was a presentation to parents followed by a showcase event for education representatives, business partners, community members and parent representatives.

The approach

In planning and implementing the projects, staff members were asked to ensure that:

• the learning experiences were engaging and motivating, and provided challenge and enjoyment
• they made connections with local community members who used the identified skills as part of their everyday occupations, promoting skills for learning, work and life
• expectations of self and others were high, with challenge to raise standards of achievement
• a creative and entertaining presentation to an audience would be one of the outcomes of the project, with all pupils working towards a common purpose
• learning as a social activity would be encouraged, with pupils working together in different groupings to build relationships and develop teamworking skills.

AifL strategies were at the heart of their approach, with assessment being used to support the learners in their learning.