CPD Introduction
The Science~Physical approach – exploring scientific concepts through the creative arts (in this instance movement and dance) – is closely based on a ground-breaking action research project, Dancing the Words, undertaken in a London primary school. Extensive evaluation showed that there were significant gains for pupils in terms of retention and recall, especially those with attention deficit or behavioural problems and those identified as ‘physical' or ‘inter-personal' learners. Highly enthusiastic teachers also noted gains for pupils in terms of social and communication skills. Moreover, central to the success of the project was the children’s enjoyment of the practical sessions and this approach to learning created a sense of pupil ownership of the learning process. This approach supports the Primary National Strategy – Excellence and Enjoyment – that encourages schools to take control of the way in which they deliver their curriculum and develop new approaches to traditional classroom-based teaching.