The Smarter Schools project (2009) is funded by the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust, developed and managed by the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.
It has been successful in working with a family of 5 inspirational primary schools in North Sheffield. This cluster aspires to be the first Primary Science Specialist Schools and is the first of its kind supported by the Specialist Schools & Academies Trust.
Teachers within these schools work together to improve learner's achievement by innovative approaches to a Creative Science curriculum, infused with a range of ‘Skills for Learning'. Much work has centred around quality CPD underpinned by a bespoke teacher Collaborative Coaching programme.
Smart Science has been identified as a vehicle to help develop children's personal skills and capabilities through exciting contexts for scientific enquiry activities.
The project continues with a new area of development - Smart Kids - which focuses on establishing peer coaching networks for primary school children.