Continuing Professional Development courses for Primary School teachers

Creativity, Science and the Young Mind; a Pilot Primary CPD Course

Dr Tina Mehta, Senior House Officer, Bristol Royal Infirmary, one of the three scientists involved in the course, with a biochemist and an engineer, working subsequently with students in one of the participating primary schools In 2003-2004 Clifton Scientific Trust in partnership with Westbury Park Primary School, Bristol devised and ran an innovative pilot CPD course for twenty Bristol LEA primary teachers.

With the support of scientists and other professionals, they developed the skills and understandings to enable them to provide new experiences of science across the curriculum which are creative and challenging.

The course ran over four half days over two terms and comprised sessions:

Creative Science and Conceptual Challenge
Scientific Creativity in the Wider Curriculum
Developing thinking and questioning skills
Working with a scientist in creative partnership

The course was part of the Creative Science programme funded jointly by the Wellcome Trust and DfES. Course organisers, Dr Eric Albone (CST), Alan Rees (Head Teacher, Westbury Park Primary School), Dr Marcelo Staricoff (CST and Westbury Park Primary School).

Evaluation showed that the course was greatly valued by participants and outcomes have influenced our work with schools subsequently. Further CPDs are being planned. Further information is available.