For a week, Lindow Primary School is transformed into a far away galaxy, called Wodnil, comprising ten planets (classrooms) each inhabited by different aliens.
At the start of the week, all 140 children were enrolled as Space Cadets and put into eight teams, each with children aged 4 – 11 years. Following an introductory lecture on space and our planetary system, from Headteacher “Major” Darren Morgan, the cadets were transported to the alien galaxy to visit each planet and work with the aliens there to address their challenges.
This is all part of a teaching method called Mantle of the Expert (MoE) devised and developed by British educationalist Dorothy Heathcote from Newcastle University. It provides an imaginative, inquiry approach to learning via creation of a fictional world where pupils assume the roles of experts in a designated field.
MoE is based on the premise that treating children as responsible experts increases their engagement and confidence. They can perceive a real purpose for learning and discovering together in an interactive and proactive way – providing them with skills and knowledge they can apply to their everyday lives. MoE encourages creativity, improves teamwork, communication skills, critical thought and decision-making.
The children are involved in a wide range of activities such as developing a new language to communicate, understanding how deprivation of one sense can enhance others, scientific experiments or designing and making a “scarecrow monster” to ward off invasion (see Hoopers window!). They are empowered by giving them an opportunity to assume responsible roles and make decisions in guiding the outcomes.
Instead of the children relying on the teacher’s energy to drive the work and evaluate achievement, teacher and class share the responsibility for the quality of work.
Headteacher Darren Morgan said “The impact MoE has had on the school as a whole has been incredible; there’s a great BUZZ! The staff have all been enthused by this way of working and the pupils are much more engaged with learning.
"They are becoming more articulate, self-aware and able to develop and move ideas on. They use the words: “fun”, “adventure” and they work together as a team valuing the contribution of each individual, it is real, meaningful and relevant!
"Parents and Governors have been equally excited by the work and have had the chance to participate in sessions.”
This is a member post by Richard Norris.
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