David Huntingford, head teacher at the William Ford Junior School in Dagenham, is a big fan of The Institute of Imagination and has seen its impact first hand. 'Working with the iOi has given a purpose to our learning through critical thinking and creativity,' he said. 'Teachers now have the confidence for creative approaches to the curriculum and demonstrate how creative thinking can help cross curricular learning.'
The Institute of Imagination (iOi) was launched in 2011 and since then over 140,000 children have taken part in projects. Most of the children were aged 5-11, mostly in London and in mainstream and special schools. However, the charity also works with children in care, virtual schools, youth centres and community groups.
Each half term there is a choice of live workshops, led by experts, which incorporate science, technology, the arts. They also incorporate skills valued by employers such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and the ability to work with others. iOi sends a physical toolkit containing all the resources a class will need, plus digital resources including lesson plans, presentations and extension material, free of charge.
The benefits of working with iOi
- It offers an imaginative curriculum of activity that relates to real world learning
- Everything is provided: resources, lesson plans, teacher training so it saves schools time and money
- The workshops focus on STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Maths)
- Pupils get new experiences and a chance to learn new skills
- The workshops are broadcast live into schools from their studio in London
- Children get hands on experience led by experienced facilitators.
- Children can participate in the Show and Tell strengthening their confidence and oracy skills
- The programme is fully supported for state schools
David Huntingford feels that it opens up a different mindset in pupils and teachers: 'We have really seen pupil engagement increase following our participation in the iOi Schools Programme, and teacher confidence in giving more autonomy to the pupils. It was enjoyable to deliver and to receive. Our staff surveys show that school morale has increased.'
TeachingTimes talked to teachers in three primary schools about the impact of The Institute of Imagination.