Delivering subject content through nine life themes
An interesting letter in today’s Guardian from Simon Gibbs, Professor of Inclusive Educational Psychology and Philosophy at Newcastle University. His letter was one of three published in response to an article by Melissa Benn, arguing for the ditching of GCSEs as part of a… Continue Reading “We need difference and diversity as fundamental aims of the curriculum”
Life-based learning channels all subject learning through its nine life themes for children between the ages of 5 and 11. One of the life themes is the introduction to the concept and practice of pupils growing up to be participating members of the community… Continue Reading “Children delighted with ‘Standing Ovation’ project”
I am passionate about the need for young children’s subject learning to be taught through life themes. I welcome your comments and suggestions about how we might develop our message about learning through life themes. An example of teaching subjects through life themes is… Continue Reading “Why should KS1&2 geography be taught with a community focus?”
The use of the ‘community’ concept to frame learning in history, social geography and citizenship deepens children’s understanding of — and strengthens their commitment to — society.
Strong and vibrant communities are the bedrock of society. The actions of families, friends and neighbours during the Covid-19 pandemic have often demonstrated communities at their best. Sadly, however, for many people community breakdown is a fact of life, and its effects are perhaps… Continue Reading “Any strategy for communities must look at what we teach children”
The breakdown of relationships — in our personal and working lives — is a major cause of stress, anxiety and mental ill-health, all of which are on a seemingly inexorable rise. Modern living is driving people apart. Yet quality of relationships is at the… Continue Reading “Showing children how we form strong bonds is vital for social vibrancy”
As my website article ‘Fragmented Communities’ makes clear, our communities are in trouble. Fixing them is an urgent priority. Too many lives are blighted by prejudice, discrimination, intolerance, violence and anti-social behaviour. Perhaps receiving less media attention but no less socially destructive is the… Continue Reading “Our schools can help us to tackle the loneliness epidemic”
A year ago the Guardian newspaper reported on a primary school in Essex that won a national dementia award for an “innovative intergenerational project”. The project is indeed an outstanding example of innovative learning. The project involves older adults who are experiencing isolation, depression… Continue Reading “Award-winning school scheme shows life-based learning in practice”
As the reaction to the government’s announcement last month that it was planning to legislate to protect public statues from removal “on a whim or at the behest of a baying mob” shows, history is capable of stirring the emotions like no other academic… Continue Reading “History is a great way to develop children’s sense of community”
Dynamic, thriving communities are the bedrock of society. We urgently need to address the issue of community fragmentation and to strengthen social cohesion. One way to do this is by promoting community mindedness — and schools have a key part to play. Schools are… Continue Reading “An idea for post-Covid education catch-up points the way forward”