To explore themes linked to PSHE and Citizenship

Aim

To explore the extent to which themes linked to PSHE and Citizenship pervade the planning of the curriculum.

Evidence and reflection

Talk to a school colleague about your mutual understanding of how non‑statutory guidance on PSHE and Citizenship should influence the school curriculum; if you are a trainee teacher, you might devise an interview schedule for a willing experienced teacher so that you can explore these ideas.

Extension

Compare the ‘ideal' that has probably been arrived at through discussion with the practicality of what happens in the existing curriculum of the school. What are the differences? Why do they exist? Is it possible to move nearer to the ‘ideal'?

More in this chapter

• To consider the connection between school philosophy and planning
• To investigate the approach to whole school curriculum planning in your school
• To investigate the coherence which a planned curriculum has for children
• To consider the quality of activities in schemes of work
• To review medium-term planning for literacy, numeracy and other subjects
• To structure teaching and learning in a curriculum area
• To consider the resource implications of a planned curriculum program
• To examine the extent to which weekly plans are significant in developing curriculum
• To review the use of ICT in a series of lessons
• To review existing lesson planning
• To explore the extent to which sharing learning intentions influences feelings of engagement
• To consider the extent to which pupils are clear about the learning objectives
• To evaluate a teaching session
• To examine tasks in terms of their learning demands
• To evaluate an individual child's curricular experiences over one day
• To evaluate the stimulus and variety of tasks and activities
• To identify the aspects of the hidden curriculum in a selection of books, CDs and other resources