We aimed at two main objectives when we planned the project: 1. To guarantee fluent and efficient transition of our young pupils (fifth-graders) to the next level of their education (i.e., to the sixth grade). The second stage of education was not established at the time of the project proposal. We were in the process of curriculum development. Thus, we used the project to enlarge the scope of methods and approaches which are appropriate for a higher level of education. 2. To implement innovative teaching methods and educational approaches into the curriculum of the second level of education (i.e., grades equal to junior high school years). This aim was linked to continuous professional development of our teachers.
Our school was established in 2019 as the second laboratory school in the Czech Republic. We are a very young and rather small school which increases a number of pupils and staff every year. We follow principles of laboratory schools, which exist in many countries throughout the world. However, as we want to be an innovative school with an impact on educational processes in the country, we are eager to learn new methods and educational approaches. This was also a starting point of our project proposal. We intended to collect ideas and inspiration from innovative and progressive schools which function abroad and are well-established within their educational systems. We also wanted to enahance networking with such schools.