An important event in curriculum development in Northern Ireland will be presented at a reception in St Mary's University College, Belfast at 10.30am on Tuesday 29 November '05.
The reception will launch the preliminary results and associated publications (DVD and supporting material) of an exciting learning and teaching programme developed by lecturers in the science and art departments at the college and carried out in four primary schools. The schools are Silverstream Primary School, Newtownabbey; Botanic Primary School, Belfast; St. Joseph's Primary School, Crumlin and Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School, Dunmurry.
The innovative and experimental learning and teaching programme tests the synchronized integration of art and science teaching through the topic of flight. Results show that the totally integrated approach makes learning accessible for wide ranging abilities within classes and engages and motivates children to work creatively and independently. Consequently, principals, teachers, parents and pupils have responded positively and enthusiastically to the approach.
The project has already attracted the attention of ETI (Education and Training Inspectorate), CCEA (Council for Curriculum, Examination and Assessment) as well as educationalists in the United States, Scotland, Wales and England, and representatives of these bodies, among others, will attend the reception.
Future piloting of the programme will extend to primary schools across Northern Ireland and in Cork, Swansea, Glasgow, Bristol and Newham in London.
Keynote speaker at this event will be Professor Richard Kimbell of Goldsmith's College, London. Professor Kimbell will speak on creativity in education.
Work produced by children involved in the project will be exhibited at the reception.
"One of the best examples of the creative agenda in practice."The Paul Hamlyn Foundation.