Critical Minds is a project revolving around Science and Design and Technology aimed at Year 5 children. Children’s creativity and innovative traits were pushed to the limits by encouraging them to build things never seen before. Finished products had to make sense but not necessarily work.  The project supported children to “develop an inquiry-based approach to finding out facts by observing, exploring and investigating” (NCF, 2012, p. 53). 

After a series of preparatory lessons, children were shown a short introductory video of a pilot group illustrating the different steps of the project. Children had to:

• looking at the resources available,
• design and sketch a project idea,
• draw up a written list of resources required,
• buy the resources using allotted money
• build and log steps in written form,
• test the project and
• present the final product.

Critical Minds is the brain child of Francesco Debono, Science Teacher, Ruth Cilia, Head of Department for Literacy, Amanda Morales, Literacy Teacher and Rosanne Talbot, Oracy Teacher.