Problem Solving

Pupils are set open-ended practical problems and given limited materials with which to solve these problems. They have to work collaboratively and learn from trial and improvement.

In the early years, classes 1-4, this will take the form of directed play. The children will learn through making and trial and improvement. They will not be asked to design the object first, but their learning will be guided by their hands-on interaction with the materials.

From classes 5-8 the element of design will become more prominent. As the children’s thinking capacities develop, they will be encouraged to design their solutions and to try to anticipate how these designs may work. They will then try them out and adjust their designs accordingly.