Real-life experiences and in-the-moment teaching

Bassingbourn Village College

Research question: To what extent does investigating and exploring using the Mantle of the Expert affect the engagement of Year 9 pupils in the science classroom?

Year 9 pupils engaged in a science project using the Mantle of the Expert approach, where they took on expert roles to explore real-world scientific questions. The process began with the introduction of intriguing artefacts such as worm farms and bath bombs to spark curiosity and inspire ideas. Pupils then formulated their own research questions and selected scientific roles, including volcanologists and cosmetic chemists, to guide their investigations. They planned and conducted experiments, linking their chosen topics to real-life contexts to enhance relevance and understanding.

“I found the Creativity Collaborative experience to be an amazing project that provided us with options for jobs. I enjoyed the process as it gave me better social skills with people who I would not normally be with. This also made me plan and think on what to do and research and learn without being told or guided in any way and we got to do what is exciting in science.”

– Pupil of Bassingbourn Village College

The project culminated in a science fair, where pupils presented their findings to classmates and other pupils, sharing knowledge and receiving peer feedback through comment postcards. This approach allowed pupils to develop autonomy, confidence and deeper engagement with science by learning through active discovery and collaboration. There was a noticeable increase in pupils’ motivation, independence and enthusiasm for learning throughout and beyond this case study.

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If you have used any of the methods outlined in Anglian Learning’s Teaching for Creativity playbook, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us on communications@anglianlearning.org or tag @anglianlearning in your social media posts with the hashtag #TeachingforCreativity