Support and Challenge For All
Whose Curriculum?
Whose Curriculum?
Whose Curriculum?
What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children? “I’m designing a curriculum so my kids feel good. People who feel good, do good.” Rae Snape, The Spinney School
What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children? Coherence – a logical arc Compassion – developing it in children; treating children with compassion Creativity – applying knowledge in unfamiliar contexts; developing fluency Credibility – accountable to knowledge; ensuring knowledge is secure Dr Debra Kidd
What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children What kind of curriculum do you want to build for your children? A Road School Curriculum …
A Statement of Intent: …………………………………. ………………………………… A Statement of Intent: …………………………………. …………………………………. What needs to be in your curriculum to achieve your stated aims?
A Question of Relevance: Whole School Approaches A curriculum specific to your context and learners What is ‘special’ about your school? Students’ interests as a factor Students’ prior knowledge and experiences The wider view – topical, outward looking ‘Real life’ scenarios and situations: https://thimbleprojects.org/HTTP/suecowley/557151/
A Question of Relevance: Classroom Practice References to popular culture Use of humour; being ‘subversive’ Thinking about reward systems Thinking about choice of texts/examples Using forms and formats from the media Demonstrating real life applications Talks from ex-students to demonstrate value
Take one paperclip …
Abstract Concept : Concrete Activity
Lessons from the ‘Nike’ children
Why do some children … “just do it?” How can we replicate these motivations? Support from home, well parented Partnerships with parents, support for parents, nurture groups, breakfast clubs Naturally curious and interested in learning Show that learning is fun and engaging Respect for (fear of) authority Clear boundaries, visible, role models Keen to please the teacher/adults Discover what the individual child enjoys See the value of learning Show why something is being learned Aiming for a long term goal, e.g. career Bring in ex-pupils to talk about careers Enjoy working hard and being successful Set tough but achievable targets See education as an escape route Make school an ‘oasis’ Rivalry – ‘keeping up with’ peers/siblings An element of competition (against self?) Love the particular subject Inspire them to love it: rediscover curiosity Inspired by a specific teacher or adult Analyse ‘inspirational’. Find a way to ‘click’ Take pride in working neatly or well Displays, highlight examples, use ICT Keen to earn rewards Use rewards that they really want Like to fit in and stay below the radar Calm working atmosphere Competitive – want to be the ‘best’ Group competitions, compete against self
Creating Stretch and Challenge Find out what they already know Choice, autonomy, ownership Open ended activities Higher order thinking skills Lateral and creative thinking Challenging audiences Increasing levels of abstraction
Links for Further Reading The Paperclips Project: www.oneclipatatime.org/paper-clips-project/ Our Road School Curriculum: www.roadschool.weebly.com/ Lessons I Love: www.suecowley.co.uk/lessons-i-love.html Mozilla X-Ray Goggles: www.goggles.mozilla.org/ Ofsted inspectors to move away from exam results focus: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-45813859