Good Practice Database >> Mysteries

LA	Rhondda Cynon Taf	School Name	Caegarw Primary School

---

What was the focus for improvement?
• To develop pupils’ critical thinking skills and research skills through the use of a ‘mystery’ activity
• To develop pupils’ ability to work confidently and independently.

What did we do?
• Introduced the mystery activity ‘What was life like for a poor person during medieval times?’

What were the outcomes?
• The mystery strategy provided opportunity for effective peer learning to take place
• The use of the mystery strategy encouraged more time for pupils to question information and to reflect on their learning.
• The strategy offered pupils a structure to help them with the thinking and learning process. It also enabled pupils to gain confidence in their work and to work more independently.
• The strategy encouraged pupils to give reasons and to justify their point of view.

What evidence have we collected to demonstrate improvements?
• Photographs of activity
• Examples of pupils’ work.

What have we learnt about teaching practice and pupils learning?
• Implementing things skills strategies, such as a ‘mystery’, has had a positive impact on the learning environment.
• A ‘mystery’ is a useful strategy to encourage pupils to question and challenge information, to justify their point of view and to reflect on their learning.

What we aim to do next
• Develop further ‘mystery’ activities with pupils.
 

Supporting Documentation

PowerPoint - outlining project and photographs of pupils engaged in activities.

Case study

Examples of pupils’ work

---

---