Blog- St20138118 - Charlotte Beckett
What do you think should be the purposes and priorities for the new curriculum?
Education is an integral part of a human’s development. Skills and knowledge learnt in education, can be a worthwhile mechanism. Education plays a crucial part in the development of both adults and children. Based on a cognitive theory by (Ehri – 1987) children should be introduced to the knowledge of literacy at a certain age, as it is assumed that children are all taught in similar ways.
However, (Marx and Engels -1968) would argue that education is a social construction, which is designed only to secure a human’s purpose. For education to be delivered at the highest standards, the opportunity of a fairer society must be approached. ‘The aim of education should be to transmit something, it must be in a morally acceptable way and what we are transmitting is worthwhile (Peters, 1966)
Teachers have the responsibility to educate the next generation of learners, they must ensure every child has a good understanding of literacy and numeracy skills to benefit them in the long-term future. Literacy and Numeracy are being made the main foundations in the education system, this is already being made a priority. I believe that literacy skills are vital to express emotions, and to communicate effectively within society. Numeracy is also essential for independent living and work life. Children need to use their numeracy skills in different situations to be able to grasp mathematical competence, that will eventually increase opportunities. I agree, that both literacy and numeracy skills should be heavily weighted in every lesson across the new curriculum. There should be an understanding that children will progress, through assessments. I understand that this will center through the new curriculum, but I disagree that children should be constantly monitored as this can cause unnecessary stress at a young age.
Digital competence can be a big part of a child’s life. It is used for both educational purposes, but also for the increasing variety of communications that is also now a prominent feature of a modern workplace. Children are now heavily expected to have a general knowledge of ICT skills, which can be applied to other aspects of their education. As the increasing demand for digital competence is demanded in society, I think children should be taught to use technology as a tool rather than a relief of boredom.
Employers are now demanding that young people entering the job market, must have a high level of skills in foundation subjects e.g. English and Math’s. To fulfil criteria, children must be taught from a young age the vitalities needed to ensure long-term employment. I agree that health and well-being is vital for a child’s physical development. It helps children to develop a positive attitude to staying healthy, which can be vital for later life choices. Children should have an awareness of body parts, which can then link to a healthy lifestyle. This can also be integrated into science lessons, which increases understanding. All children should be active for a certain amount of time every week. The World Health Organization (2010) suggested that children should be active for 60 minutes a day at a moderate level, this will increase their health benefits. Trudeau et al (1999) found that primary school children’s participation in daily PE lessons, had a long-term effect throughout school and later in life. Schools play a crucial role in the promotion of social and emotional well-being. I think that social and emotional skills are important, as they help a child to express their emotions and think through any life problems. Also, activities should promote the support of children’s mental health.
I agree that Welsh should remain taught between the ages of 3-16, but the focus of communication in welsh should be kept for secondary schools. Learners should be encouraged to speak welsh whilst carrying out daily activities, which will therefore increase their confidence. Teachers should also plan opportunities for children to improve their welsh skills through other areas of learning. By using a range of games with groups of children, it reinforces the use of Welsh words. The repetition of such words and phrases, will increase communication in Welsh and a child’s confidence. Social constructivists such as Vygotsky (1962) and Bruner (1986) suggest that an individual’s learning takes place as a result of interactions and talking with others in wider society.
Furthermore, I think that History should be a significant part of the new curriculum. In March 2011, OFSTED published a report on school history. Most students reached the end of Key stage 2 and knew about certain events, but they did not have knowledge beyond the elements of history, they were taught. A high quality of history education would help children to understand Britain’s past. It also helps children to accept the diversities of society, and the relationships between different people. Waters (2008) suggests that history has the potential to promote skills in questioning and presents hierarchy.
Students are the most important thing in the education system but are often not able to express their opinion of the teaching being received. Student voice allows children to be a part of change within the education system, as students participation can identify future priorities for the school. Promoting student voice should be a constant progress, which allows children to have input in decisions made by adults. This can be accomplished through, online platforms or informal discussions with pupils. This allows children to have a more engaging learning environment, as they can put forward ideas of what they want to be taught within the curriculum.
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