Every child, parent and teacher should experience the freedom of a Theatre of Learning
10-year-olds speak for themselves. House of Commons, 13/07/2011.
Whilst MPs debated phone hacking. Six 10-year-olds discussed their experience of learning with parents, teachers, academics and MPs in committee room 18.
Charlotte Leslie, MP for Bristol North West and member of the Education Select Committee, said "Schools need to be free to understand and meet pupils needs and skills." Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge, said "This is the kind of innovation that education needs, it is vital that we keep children's enthusiasm for independent learning alive."
Ann Jamieson, CEO of Big Wide Talk, said "Whilst intervention in the early years is hugely important, Big Wide Talk has found that it is possible to re-ignite children's desire to learn when then are 9, 10 and 11. Before they go to secondary school. The 10-year-olds taking part in this seminar make this apparent." Big Wide Talk has also found that differences between boys and girls are under expressed in mainstream classroom practice. Children who have been enabled to follow their own fascinations in 'Theatres of Learning' can work with teachers to broaden and deepen the curriculum, making what happens in school relevant to their everyday lives, enriching their education and making educational disengagement disappear."
Download the 'Seminar participants list'.
Download the 'Guide for participants'.
Download the 'About Big Wide Talk document'.
