The BBC say:

When given a chance to let their minds go, it’s amazing what children can come up with.

In Bristol, a special style of lesson has been developed precisely to give pupils in Key Stage 3 (11 to 14-year-olds) an opportunity to further investigate questions and issues like this.

In these lessons, called Enquiring Minds, pupils are given a general steer – for example global warming – and are encouraged to explore relevant issues that capture their imaginations.

What they are basically referring to is child led learning.  Which is the way I believe learning should be.  It’s the way I like to learn too, though I am not a child! (And is the way my boys learn at Lewes New School).

Maybe it’s only me, but I find it depressing when they go on to say:

“We need teachers who are in to kids, who are interested in friendly discussion. We need teachers who can think on their feet.

“Enquiring Minds is about discussion, listening and reacting. It’s very reactive as opposed to proactive.

“Some teachers like to prepare and deliver lessons – Enquiring Minds is about reacting to what happens on the day.”

Personally I’d feel worried if there were teachers who weren’t into kids, who couldn’t have friendly discussions and think on their own two feet.