The main aim of the project is to propose an innovative transdisciplinary method to motivate school students and teachers to participate in science and arts initiatives and to develop and establish a network that will work together, exchange practices and maintain the activities of GSO4SCHOOL in the future. The use of arts practices constitutes a strong advantage in order to enhance science education and address inequality in science learning; in recent years the trend is to include the “A” in STE(A)M education that stands for Arts. By doing so, the project will foster the development of school students’ interest, participation, motivation and performance in science. According to research the “quality of the experience” is often more influential than the “content that is taught”. This is exactly what GSO4SCHOOL is proposing. To engage school students in developing their own GSOs and experience the whole procedure supported by their teachers and by the provision of very well-structured materials. Moreover, GSO4SCHOOL aims to promote the acquisition of 21st century skills (including social and emotional skills, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, soft skills and entrepreneurial skills) (OECD 2015), science (analytical thinking, inquiry-based learning) and culture (performing arts, music). One of the main pillars for the project will be the collaboration and co-creation of school students in an inquiry-based and student-centred approach. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own products and operate the network as a learning organisation that will produce each year performances, educate their peers, in local and/or National Level, and promote the creative methods of GSO4SCHOOL in Europe and beyond.
The GSO4SCHOOL project also aims to contribute directly to teachers’ professional development. The project’s consortium has the expertise and experience to develop and run effective trainings targeted to school teachers in order to enhance their ability to integrate creative, collaborative and transdisciplinary practices in the classroom. Moreover, during the implementation of the project the participating teachers will be continuously supported in their work through digital and non-digital means