Life Based Learning ™
Delivering subject content through nine life themes
Category: Subject Learning
A new natural history GCSE
The UK government plans to introduce an “exciting” new GCSE in natural history by September 2025. Details of the qualification are included in the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which was launched this week. The education secretary claims that the UK… Continue Reading “A new natural history GCSE”
Invest in music education
A leading classical musician is introducing an eye-catching initiative to widen access to music for children. The Chinese pianist, educator and philanthropist Lang Lang has announced plans to set up several ‘piano labs’ in schools, each with 20 to 30 keyboards. The first piano… Continue Reading “Invest in music education”
Studying history helps us deal with conspiracy theories, lies and disinformation
Earlier this week the UN secretary-general António Guterres tweeted about the dangers of conspiracy theories, rumours and lies which are seriously hampering efforts to limit the remorseless spread of Covid around the world. The tweet included a graphic highlighting several questions that Guterres urged… Continue Reading “Studying history helps us deal with conspiracy theories, lies and disinformation”
An inclusive curriculum is one that fully reflects society in all its diversity
Two (linked) messages that many of those involved in Black History Month continually emphasise are, firstly, that black history is not something to be ‘done’ in one month and, secondly, that black history is about much more than just slavery and the slave trade.… Continue Reading “An inclusive curriculum is one that fully reflects society in all its diversity”
Music can help children to learn about history and identity
In its online mental health A–Z the Children’s Society says that having an identity “can give you a sense of belonging, which is important to your wellbeing and confidence.” The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘Proud to be’, encouraging people, especially… Continue Reading “Music can help children to learn about history and identity”
Ofsted subject review confirms the importance of music education
A newly published Ofsted research review into music education contains some stirring phrases about the value and importance of music, not least in its opening sentence: “Music touches the very heart of our humanity and a sense of the wonder of music has touched… Continue Reading “Ofsted subject review confirms the importance of music education”
Music education is far too valuable to be allowed to disappear
There is nothing quite like music. The ancient philosopher Confucius supposedly said that ‘music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without’, Jane Austen that ‘without music, life would be a blank to me’. Music is somehow able to express beauty… Continue Reading “Music education is far too valuable to be allowed to disappear”
History is a great way to develop children’s sense of community
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”
The primary school national curriculum needs an urgent reboot
National curriculum reform: The gap between the current state of scientific knowledge and what is delivered to children in the national curriculum is growing ever wider. Take, for example, children learning about and learning how to look after their body (1), their emotions (2)… Continue Reading “The primary school national curriculum needs an urgent reboot”
Let’s go for change as we move into the 21st year in the 21st century
A change in the focus by the UK government in the education of primary school children — aged 5 to 11 years — is long over due to meet the urgent challenges of the 21st century. It is clear our children need to learn… Continue Reading “Let’s go for change as we move into the 21st year in the 21st century”