Self-Organised Learning Environment (SOLE)

In Self-Organised Learning Environment (SOLE) lessons 性用社 work together in small groups of 3 or 4 to answer an open-ended, non-trivial question such as 鈥淲hy do birds have different-shaped beaks?鈥. Each group is given a computer and is free to explore the resources at their disposal to come up with the answer. Groups then present their findings to the class at the end of the lesson. Open group discussions are encouraged and 性用社 are free to exchange information with their peers, or change to another group at will. The teacher does not direct the learning in the traditional sense, but instead offers positive encouragement and ensures all the 性用社 are engaged and actively participating. By giving the 性用社 control over their own learning, not limiting them in the scope of their research or forcing them down a particular route, they develop a passion for their subject matter, widen the breadth of material covered, develop research skills and become more independent learners.

In SOLE lessons the 性用社 have researched questions such as: 鈥淗ow do delocalised electrons affect the chemistry of Carbon?鈥(Science); 鈥淎ccording to Determinism, there is no such thing as free will and therefore people should not be punished for wrongdoing. Do you agree?鈥 (Philosophy); 鈥淭his House believes that human rights always come before animal rights鈥 (English Debating); 听鈥淗ow Were Men Recruited to Fight in WWI?鈥 (English); 鈥淗ow can one flat sheet of acrylic be used to hold 8 pencils securely in a vertical position?鈥 (Design Technology).