Mr Lovelidge’s Big Question

Each half term Mr Lovelidge sets and introduces the Big Question during his assembly. Pupils are then encouraged to create a home learning activity to give their views on the big question.

Big Questions are the ones that don’t have an easy answer. They are often open and difficult; they may even be unanswerable, or there may be more than one answer. Big Questions aren’t just about getting the ‘right’ answers, but about learning the methods and skills needed to find the answers.

These questions encourage children to offer theories, work collaboratively, use reason and think critically. A good Big Question will connect more than one subject area: ‘What is an insect?’ for instance, does not touch as many different subjects as ‘What would happen to Earth if all insects disappeared?’.

Big Questions should be ones that encourage research, debate and critical thinking.

Children are encouraged to talk to their parents and research about the big question and then bring their findings and opinions into school in the form of a letter, project book, model, video, computer presentation or another appropriate medium.

The best projects are rewarded at the end of the term with prizes.