One of the core elements of an inquiry based approach is the use of a ‘cycle of inquiry’ to support and scaffold both planning and teaching. This collaborative process is creative and dynamic and can be a powerful professional learning experience in itself. In this workshop we will explore practical approaches to designing inquiry journeys with and for our learners with an emphasis on striking a balance between forward mapping that attends to the curriculum and responsive planning that takes into account the needs and interests of students.

• the essential ingredients in the planning process

• choosing and working with real life contexts to enhance the power of an inquiry

• strategies to enhance the quality of collaboration in a planning teajm

• the role of concepts in planning

• how to build connections across the curriculum

• the way a cycle of inquiry can support the planning process

• how to engage student voice in the design process

• strategies for documentation

• building assessment into the planning process

Kath will guide participants through her popular cycle of inquiry and show how understanding the elements of the process can make a powerful difference to the way we plan. Kath will show the way the cycle can be used to invite children into the planning process and how the meta language of the cycle can help children transfer the process to more personal, independent inquiries.  Kath will also identify how the cycle can help elevate the role of key competencies or ‘Learning Assets’ as it unfolds.  We will examine many examples of powerful inquiries to inspire us … come along ready to do some planning!