The SMArt Project: Science
through Multisensory Art
The SMArt project sought to
develop a pedagogy that united science and arts subjects to inspire pupils and
staff, raise pupil attainment and engage families in science as a core subject.
Children developed their knowledge of scientific concepts, exploring their understanding
through a range of multisensory arts experiences over the course of the year.
These experiences were planned in response to children’s interests in order to
maximise engagement, and always gave children an opportunity to communicate
their learning to an audience. By the
end of the project, 72% of pupils named science as their favourite subject, a
21% increase compared with the start of the project. Their engagement was
reflected in assessment scores across all year groups, in particular with children
in Early Years and Key Stage One, who consistently demonstrated knowledge and
understanding above year group expectations. Families have embraced the
project, asking the schools to continue to provide opportunities for children
to share their science learning beyond the life of the project. The project’s
success at Wykeham was recognised by Ofsted, who stated, “The creative approach
to teaching science excites and captures the pupils’ imagination. They remember
what they learn in science and use their knowledge well.”