What next?
Production day angel's pizzas
As for Jo's next project, she doesn't think she will repeat the 'Food to Go' unit next year, preferring to go with projects that offer new challenges and learning experiences for her and the students.
"I don't like doing the same unit over and over again. I like not knowing what some of the outcomes are going to be, because then I don't have any preconceived ideas about how it's going to pan out and it is really driven by the kids, which is just more exciting. If I did this again, I would know all the answers, so I wouldn't get the same buzz out of doing it."
Though she's not sure what her next project will be, Jo's philosophy of 'developing things from a need' means she's never short of inspiration.
"I've got three or four ideas that we could do next time. One problem we have is our storage area for bags and blazers doesn't work particularly well, and this is of particular concern because their stuff gets knocked and unorganised and the kids get into trouble if their stuff's in the hallway. I think that might be something we would be able to develop so that didn't happen. Another issue is that we have a really restrictive playground and there are things about that I would like to fix.
"Maybe I'll choose one of these issues and set it up as a unit for the kids. Or maybe I'll say to them: 'These are the things that are bothering me at the moment – how do you feel about it?'"
