Solomon's Project Teaching Projects

	Pioneering a new approach to learning Richard has developed a cross-curricular KS2 Tristan da Cunha Teaching Project - Splendid Isolation - inspired by his experience teaching Tristan Island Studies and work in UK schools using the island as a case study. In adapting modules for KS2 use, Richard was encouraged by the 'Excellence and Enjoyment' White Paper which promoted cross-curricular work, especially to stretch able students, but also to engage those sometimes difficult to motivate. Richard tested his scheme in Primary Schools in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire during 1984, and then published his first Splendid Isolation Work Book for the two day scheme soon afterwards.
	Development of Splendid Isolation Richard worked in Junior and Primary schools in Mendip, Sedgemoor and South Somerset Districts during the 2004/5 school year. Several formal evaluations took place, with continual improvements being made. A one-day scheme was planned, tested in a Somerset Primary School and Richard published a 2nd one-day Work Book in October 2005. He extended his work to Dorset in 2005, Shropshire in 2006 and Lancashire in 2007. Richard has returned to several schools for subsequent visits. He has worked with Year 3, 4, 5 & 6, including combined classes.
	Visiting Specialist Teacher Richard uses this term to describe his work, which he understands is unique. He and offers a self contained teaching service including all resources and marking of work. He uses an extensive photograph library (all images on this site his own photographs) to create stunning animated PowerPoint presentations which provide the interest and knowledge for inter-active activities. The result is a project giving pace and challenge - ideal as a preparation for SATs and transition to secondary education as Richard is a secondary specialist.
	A complete package Richard will arrive early to set up the classroom with his own laptop, data projector and large screen. He may need to re-arrange desks to enable group work and will set out pupil work books and laminated species cards so that pupils are immediately engaged in work on arrival. The two day scheme consists of eight separate presentations linked to activities. Richard takes the work home overnight, marks it (with stars for work completed with good effort) and returns it with comments for action on Day 2. At the end of Day 2 Richard will remain behind to complete marking and a teacher's feedback. A short creative homework is normally set after Day1. As a result there is no preparation or marking for the teacher!
	One Day or Two Day? The one day scheme was introduced to enable Richard to travel longer distances and give schools a 'Tristan Taster'. To complete the full programme it needs a full day with no interruptions with a capable and well organised Year 6 class and Richard will discuss options when these criteria are not available. Richard has often been booked for a single day, started the two day scheme, and has been booked later for the 2nd day. On one occasion days were separated by a school holiday, with no problems of continuity. So he recommends the two day scheme for local schools (Somerset, North Dorset, East Devon).There is no obligation to book a second day.
	Worried about covering National Curriculum and Numeracy & Literacy Hours? Relax. Richard has carefully researched the National Curriculum orders and cross-referenced Knowledge, Skills and Understanding to achieve elements of the English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and Citizenship KS2 Curriculum. Specific Numeracy activities are included on each day to provide applied mathematics skills with real relevance, including completing a line graph and map skills. Literacy is developed by introducing a high order technical vocabulary, giving opportunities for group and individual speaking and listening and a variety of writing tasks. Science work focuses on food chains and webs, introducing pupils to detailed knowledge of a range of fascinating species. History work will build pupils' concept of an extended time-line and give them an understanding of how a small community changes in response to important world events - especially advances in technology and wars. Tristan's unique co-operative life style poses some interesting Citizenship issues and pupils have an opportunity to debate whether hunting sea birds should continue in the 21st Century. You can rest assured that, as a specialist Geographer, Richard will introduce a range of relevant physical and human geographical concepts. By the end of two days, your pupils will be 'experts' on the world's most isolated community and may well have produced their very best work. They will have been introduced to a style and depth of work more common in KS3 and 4.
	The Bottom Line Solomon's Project charges schools £160 per day for KS2 Splendid Isolation projects delivered within reasonable travelling range. This is payable by cheque on presentation of an invoice on completion of work. Somerset and Dorset County Council's are used to processing these invoices. Agencies frequently change £170 + and this introductory price offers excellent value. A special offer of £310 for a confirmed two day project is currently available to local schools.
	Interested ? If you are a school in Somerset, North Dorset or East Devon, contact Richard at any time when you have a KS2 class teacher absent. Richard has responded at short notice (ie the night before) to visit a new school. Enquiries area also welcome from further afield subject to travel - so contact Richard to discuss arrangements!
Further information or bookings preferably by EMail to: enquiries@solomonsproject.co.uk Richard can send Heads a full CV, Enhanced Clearance details, a detailed curriculum plan, and sample resources on request.

Solomon's Project		Teaching Projects
solomonsproject.co.uk / index / teachingprojects