Secondary History Discussion
Skills based curriculum
Emily Bowater
December 2nd 2009 at 8:32 pm
December 2nd 2009 at 8:32 pm
Our school is thinking about introducing a skills based curriculum to year 7 through the opening minds programme. This would obviously impact on history quite significantly. Has anyone had any experience of this programme or approach? I know it is becoming popular and I would like any feedback from people that have experienced it, positive or negative! Thanks
3 Responses to Skills based curriculum
3
The briefing pack is now on the site, as is another one looking at skills based curriculums. Both should give you some ideas.
2
I agree wholeheartedly with Richard, and his reasons for making these comments.
The open minds programme has not been a success in Northamptonshire.
I would suggest you read the 'Cambridge Primary Review' this is the independent review its well written and well researched.
This is one of the best pieces of research I have read for years, in it prof Robin Alexander rubishes the 'skills versus knowledge' debate and many other pieces of education innovatory practice that have not been based on research e.g. VAK.
The review is based on the primary phase so will provide a lot of evidence to support your concerns.
hope this helps.
If you need a copy feel free to email me.
regards
Maria
The open minds programme has not been a success in Northamptonshire.
I would suggest you read the 'Cambridge Primary Review' this is the independent review its well written and well researched.
This is one of the best pieces of research I have read for years, in it prof Robin Alexander rubishes the 'skills versus knowledge' debate and many other pieces of education innovatory practice that have not been based on research e.g. VAK.
The review is based on the primary phase so will provide a lot of evidence to support your concerns.
hope this helps.
If you need a copy feel free to email me.
regards
Maria
1
Richard J. Harris
December 8th 2009 at 12:33 pm
December 8th 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hi Emily
The HA survey we carried out last year showed that the impact of such programmes was largely negative. If the school is going this way then it may be best to position yourself at the head of the changes so you can shape them how you want. The main issues are a lack of coherence in the content being taught, so pupils don't see how things fit together, plus the history 'skills' tend to be underdeveloped.
It is worth asking which schools in your area do this and find out their experiences.
There should also be a 'briefing pack' on this website which looks at the arguments for and against such ideas. It is also worth emailing Melanie Jones, our new education manager directly as she has some experience of this in her school.
With best wishes
Richard Harris
The HA survey we carried out last year showed that the impact of such programmes was largely negative. If the school is going this way then it may be best to position yourself at the head of the changes so you can shape them how you want. The main issues are a lack of coherence in the content being taught, so pupils don't see how things fit together, plus the history 'skills' tend to be underdeveloped.
It is worth asking which schools in your area do this and find out their experiences.
There should also be a 'briefing pack' on this website which looks at the arguments for and against such ideas. It is also worth emailing Melanie Jones, our new education manager directly as she has some experience of this in her school.
With best wishes
Richard Harris
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