2013 is going to be an exciting year for the Big Jurassic Classroom (BJC). As part of developing an ongoing legacy to support schools to deliver high quality Jurassic Coast teaching and learning across Dorset and East Devon, we are applying for funding to create a community of BJC Superteachers. OK, so I hear you wondering whether they are teachers in tight blue suits with red capes….well it’s not that kind of super, more like super-trained teachers.
Through an application to the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust we hope to obtain funding to offer a select group of Primary Science teacher leaders the chance to develop their skills and knowledge about the science of the Jurassic Coast through short term placements with our Jurassic Coast partners. These organisations include museums, conservation agencies, heritage centres and possibly working alongside fossil collectors, scientists and artists. The teachers will spend time learning new skills and knowledge through their placement and will then be tasked to develop a new series of innovative Jurassic Coast related resources for the new Primary Science curriculum due to be launched in September 2014.
Recruitment for the BJC Superteacher programme has already begun through the BJC School report newsletter – and so far we have had a promising response! We are also looking for our Jurassic Coast partners to come forward and offer to host a teacher (possibly for 3-4 days which do not have to be consecutive) within their organisation. The funding applications are due to be submitted in the next 3 months and the project will not be launched until Summer/Autumn term 2013. So that hopefully leaves our superteachers plenty of time to find a phonebox.
Anjana Ford, Education Coordinator
