An Introduction: The Four Purposes of the Curriculum
It is an important time for Wales at the moment, as we are about to embark on a huge reform- The Donaldson Report. This holds the idea that the curriculum as a whole moves away from the four set stages, Foundation Phase, Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 and rather focuses on the progression of the children overall instead- this offers more flexibility within the curriculum. The curriculum regards the structure of the teaching as well as the system itself and how it is organised.
Donaldson found that the curriculum in Welsh schools in particular have reflected the prevailing orthodoxy of the time from the professionally driver, child-centred philosophy of 'Plowden' in 1967 (Central Advisory, Council of England), to the culturally led, subject centred rationale of the National Curriculum in 1988 (Donaldson, 2015).
Donaldson (2015) put in place the idea that children were encouraged to have more of a say, as well as the teachers. teachers wanted more power regarding what to teach and how to teach it and pupils viewed the curriculum as being out of date, especially technology.
In my schooling experience, I feel as though the curriculum which I was taught in struggled with the idea of 'cross curricula' when it came it using technology. It was always a subject which both me and my classmates would sigh about when we were told we were going to do some work on the computer, etc. However, as I have visited other primary school while studying my degree, I have noticed that when children are encouraged to use a form of technology, whether it be the iPad, or the computer, it brings the children some kind of joy. There are a lot of games and activities children can play on iPads and computers which actually links to their work. This is a topic which I have a lot of passion towards and so I'd rather not go off topic and discuss this factor in greater detail in another blog.
On another note, Donaldson believes that the curriculum needs more focus on life skills, including children's confidence and work skills, as well as offering them the correct support and guidance regarding career advice and health and wellbeing. In addition to this, children wanted lessons to be more fun and interesting- this could be done by children interacting, rather than the focus on passing assessments to gain qualifications. (Donaldson gained the information and research above through visiting different types of schools and speaking to both pupils and parents/ carers, as well as teachers themselves).
Graham Donaldson introduced the idea of 'progression steps'. With this in mind, it would provide a more coherent basis for learning, teaching and assessment.
Progressions steps would provide reference points for teachers and parents, while also providing a 'road map' for pupils according to their individual needs. The idea would also introduce cross-curricula responsibilities, as literacy, numeracy and digital framework are all expected throughout all ages.
Professor Donaldson has set no timescale for delivery, however it is expected to have quicker outcomes than Scotland- who took 6 years.
Four Purposes of the Curriculum
ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives
enterprising creative contributors ready to play a full time part in life and work
ethical, informed citizens pf Wales and the world
healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society
These purposes of the curriculum would be displayed through the new idea of the curriculum being viewed as six areas of learning, rather than subjects.
Health and Wellbeing- includes tackling obesity, relationships and sexual education
Furthermore, there are a lot of issues young people are facing today in Wales, in which Successful Futures are looking to tackle.
It is an important time for Wales at the moment, as we are about to embark on a huge reform- The Donaldson Report. This holds the idea that the curriculum as a whole moves away from the four set stages, Foundation Phase, Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 and rather focuses on the progression of the children overall instead- this offers more flexibility within the curriculum. The curriculum regards the structure of the teaching as well as the system itself and how it is organised.
Donaldson found that the curriculum in Welsh schools in particular have reflected the prevailing orthodoxy of the time from the professionally driver, child-centred philosophy of 'Plowden' in 1967 (Central Advisory, Council of England), to the culturally led, subject centred rationale of the National Curriculum in 1988 (Donaldson, 2015).
Donaldson (2015) put in place the idea that children were encouraged to have more of a say, as well as the teachers. teachers wanted more power regarding what to teach and how to teach it and pupils viewed the curriculum as being out of date, especially technology.
In my schooling experience, I feel as though the curriculum which I was taught in struggled with the idea of 'cross curricula' when it came it using technology. It was always a subject which both me and my classmates would sigh about when we were told we were going to do some work on the computer, etc. However, as I have visited other primary school while studying my degree, I have noticed that when children are encouraged to use a form of technology, whether it be the iPad, or the computer, it brings the children some kind of joy. There are a lot of games and activities children can play on iPads and computers which actually links to their work. This is a topic which I have a lot of passion towards and so I'd rather not go off topic and discuss this factor in greater detail in another blog.
On another note, Donaldson believes that the curriculum needs more focus on life skills, including children's confidence and work skills, as well as offering them the correct support and guidance regarding career advice and health and wellbeing. In addition to this, children wanted lessons to be more fun and interesting- this could be done by children interacting, rather than the focus on passing assessments to gain qualifications. (Donaldson gained the information and research above through visiting different types of schools and speaking to both pupils and parents/ carers, as well as teachers themselves).
Graham Donaldson introduced the idea of 'progression steps'. With this in mind, it would provide a more coherent basis for learning, teaching and assessment.
Progressions steps would provide reference points for teachers and parents, while also providing a 'road map' for pupils according to their individual needs. The idea would also introduce cross-curricula responsibilities, as literacy, numeracy and digital framework are all expected throughout all ages.
Professor Donaldson has set no timescale for delivery, however it is expected to have quicker outcomes than Scotland- who took 6 years.
Four Purposes of the Curriculum
These purposes of the curriculum would be displayed through the new idea of the curriculum being viewed as six areas of learning, rather than subjects.
Expressive Arts- Drama, Art, Design Humanities- History, Geography, Politics, more emphasis on RE and spirituality, given what is going on in the world
- Maths and Numeracy
Science and Technology
Health and Wellbeing- includes tackling obesity, relationships and sexual education
Furthermore, there are a lot of issues young people are facing today in Wales, in which Successful Futures are looking to tackle.
Comments
Post a Comment