Mick Waters Director of Curriculum, QCA

1. Making learning matter more National Middle Schools Forum Develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future Mick WatersDirector of Curriculum, QCA 22 October 2008

2. A Changing Society… • technology • an ageing population • the gap between rich and poor • global culture and ethnicity • sustainability • changing maturity levels in schools • expanding knowledge of learning • a changing economy

3. Some tensions in progress • the golden age • the world challenge • narrow and broad • long term goals and short term accountability • skills sets for the future • the future and the present

4. questioning thirst for knowledge makes connections confident takes risks independent willing to have a go listens and reflects makes a difference gets on well with others perseveres generates ideas literate critical self-editing flexible shows initiative curious communicates well acts with integrity self-esteem shaper learns from mistakes ‘can do’ attitude skilled thinks for themselves creative

5. Making learning matter more National Middle Schools Forum Develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future Mick WatersDirector of Curriculum, QCA 22 October 2008

6. Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve Confident individuals who are able to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society Skills eg literacy, numeracy, ICT, personal, learning and thinking skills Knowledge and understanding eg big ideas that shape the world Attitudes and attributes eg determined, adaptable, confident, risk-taking, enterprising Lessons Locations Environment Events Routines Extended hours Out of school A range of approaches eg enquiry, active learning, practical and constructive In tune with human development Matching time to learning need eg deep, immersive and regular frequent learning Opportunities for spiritual, moral, social, cultural, emotional, intellectual and physical development Using a range of audience and purpose Including all learners with opportunities for learner choice and personalisation Building on learning beyond the school including community and business links Communication, language and literacy Creative development Knowledge and understanding of the world Mathematical development Personal, social and emotional development Physical development A & D Ci D & T En Ge Hi ICT Ma MFL Mu PE PSHE PW EW+FC RE SC Promotes a broad and engaging curriculum Maximises pupils’ progress Helps identify clear targets for improvement Links to national standards which are consistently interpreted Uses tests and tasks appropriately Embraces peer- and self-assessment Draws on a wide range of evidence of pupils’ learning Gives helpful feedback for the learner and other stakeholders Informs future planning and teaching Is integral to effective teaching and learning Civic participation Healthy lifestyle choices Further involvement in education, employment or training Attainment and improved standards Behaviour and attendance Working draft January 2008 A big picture of the curriculum Three key questions 1 What are we trying to achieve? The curriculum aims to enable all young people to become Curriculum aims Be healthy Stay safe Enjoy and achieve Make a positive contribution Achieve economic wellbeing Every Child Matters outcomes Focus for learning 2 How do we organise learning? The curriculum as an entire planned learning experience underpinned by a broad set of common values and purposes Components Learning approaches Overarching themes that have a significance for individuals and society, and provide relevant learning contexts: Identity and cultural diversity - Healthy lifestyles – Community participation – Enterprise – Global dimension and sustainable development – Technology and the media – Creativity and critical thinking. Whole curriculum dimensions Statutory expectations 3 How well are we achieving our aims? To make learning and teaching more effective so that learners understand quality and how to improve Assessment fit for purpose To secure Accountability measures Adapted with thanks to colleagues at the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)

7. From national parameters... Aims for Primary Education Successful learners, who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve. Confident Individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Responsible Citizens who can make a positive contribution to society. Areas of Learning / Subjects Skills and competences Personal Well-being: Attributes and values Independent Enquirers Creative Thinkers Reflective Learners Team Workers Self Managers Effective Participators Communication, Language and literacy Mathematics Expressive Arts Humanities Physical Development The National Framework Principled Enterprising Creative Resilient Principles of Curriculum Design Secures the fundamentals in literacy and numeracy Provides opportunities for depth and breadth Secures personal development Considers the entire planned learning experience In tune with child development The School Curriculum Designing the School Curriculum

8. Programmes for Learning Programmes of study • are only ingredients • they need blending • to distribute between learning in - lessons - events - routines - beyond school • with schools as the broker for learning - time - place - people An appetising feast taking account of need, specialism, interest and taste.

9. Programmes for learning • provides a design framework • focuses upon key attributes for • future learning • pupil engagement • coherence • puts range and content into context

10. Programmes for learning • offers the learner a ‘bigger picture’ • less spoon feeding and regurgitation • less subject hopscotch • picks up key drivers for engagement • purpose • process • audience

11. 1 & 2 Knowledge Areas of Learning Experiences primary Audiences Purposes Approaches primary Childhood

12. Making learning matter more National Middle Schools Forum Develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future Mick WatersDirector of Curriculum, QCA 22 October 2008

13. Successful Learners Confident Individuals Responsible Citizens Attainment and Achievement Civic Participation EmploymentEducationTraining Healthy Lifestyle Choices Attitude and Engagement

14. Values….on reflection…. What devalues? What values? the learning the learning the person the person linear…a greasy pole making connections plunging a growth mindset tailoring and bubble wrap exposed contributing off piste risks belonging can’t recall can’t do herding skin deep a fixed mindset velcro

15. Disciplined innovation • thoughtful approach to a learning need • knowing what we are trying to achieve • clear on what success will look like • baseline starting point established • all partners know what is planned and why • with the reasons articulated

16. Focus of innovation • pupils observing lessons • education visits in RE • transfer of writing skills • eco-occasion • out of school art • cultural heritage • oil painting • enterprise • learning independently • transition in English and mathematics

17. Focus of innovation • What are we trying to achieve? • How did we organise? • What was the impact? - how do we know? • What are the common messages and trends?

18. Is innovation worth it?... some observations Programmes of study • based upon attributes needed in the modern age • gives a focus for skills in context • authentic purpose, process and audience…and challenge • helps children take the lead…puts assessment in context • part of an easy network • impact on personal learning and thinking skills evident • improvement in academic performance….where there is room • acknowledges professionalism of teachers • parents should want to know their children are being included

19. Children might… Programmes of study • build on what they can already do • pick up the challenge • relish the skills in context • employ dormant personal qualities • take their excitement home • influence their parents through enthusiasm • exceed what they could previously do • Include them in the innovation …and see the results across the range of learning

20. I am a learner take me places show me things Who they are, how they work, what they do, and why? let me have a go, let me be me

21. Making learning matter more National Middle Schools Forum Develop a modern, world-class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future Mick WatersDirector of Curriculum, QCA 22 October 2008