# 97 - GES Insightful Classroom Series

Send us Fan MailThis podcast series is devoted to sharing good teaching practice at Gardens Elementary School which is located on the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology campus in Saudi Arabia. At GES, our student population is multi-cultural, diverse, enthusiastic, engaging and confident. They are also fun loving and happy.Through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) we provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of essential concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to be lifelong learners. Our students are actively involved in authentic inquiry-based learning across all the curriculum areas. They develop confidence in their abilities, think for themselves, question, express their opinions and respect the opinions of others. As students learn to reflect on their learning, they become critical thinkers. We encourage students to voice their ideas and to take action to improve the school and the community. Student achievement and progress is shared through regular assemblies, parent conferences, open houses and activities aimed at making the school a stimulating center for the community.Inquiry and AgencyIn this episode, grade 4 teacher, Jamie House, shares the work and learning he has embarked on with his own professional inquiry at Gardens Elementary School. Jamie has looked deeply at his own teaching practice over the past 7 months in order to identify which area he would like to deepen his understanding of. He identified a particular need to examine more closely how he creates opportunities for each student to develop the skills necessary to move forward with their own learning. A recent trip to Poland to attend Kath Murdoch’s inquiry workshop helped Jamie to consolidate his learning and refine the teaching approaches he uses in the classroom. Jamie discusses a number of things related to inquiry, agency, and how he is striving to help students develop their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills within their learning journeys in his classroom. Connect With Jamie:Twitter: @jamierhouse Connect With Gardens Elementary SchoolTwitter: @GESatKAUSTWebsite: http://tks.kaust.edu.sa/Message-from-the-Principal-GESThemes Discussed:Student Agency, Skill Development, Inquiry, Kath Murdoch, Content and Coverage, Professional Inquiries