Search

Bill Laar and Jackie Holderness'Reclaiming the Curriculum examines the nature of a broad-ranging, content-rich primary school curriculum and presents case studies that exemplify how it can be effectively delivered. Many schools believe that the value of their work is undermined by a test-driven agenda that limits the breadth of the education they provide and who can blame them? In Reclaiming the Curriculum Bill and Jackie inspire teachers to escape such narrow confines by unearthing a rich seam of case study examples from schools who are broadening their provision with specialist content that transcends the core curriculum: taking pupils into the realms of exploration and enquiry while also providing for higher attainment in the core subjects. Featuring a variety of exciting initiatives, ranging from the development of an IT-enabled collaborative learning space to the artful application of storytelling across the curriculum, this book will embolden primary schools to identify and enhance their own creative practice and more effectively prepare pupils for the tests of life, not a life of tests. The 18 case studies written by a diverse line-up of contributors including school leaders, teachers and special-ist coaches are sourced from a mixture of different settings and offer detailed descriptions of the initiatives'unique backgrounds: their genesis and inspiration, their underpinning aims and objectives, and the ways in which they were resourced, realised and, eventually, evaluated. At the beginning of each chapter, Bill and Jackie briefly summarise the educa-tional value of each example of curriculum development, the significance of specific aspects and the ways in which they are likely to help maintain full and relevant learning. Each case study then presents the contributors'first-hand perspectives as they: describe in detail the structure that underpins the provision including the number of staff involved and the time and resources allocated; share interesting insights into the level of pupil involvement and, where relevant, the extent of parental and community participation; paint a vivid picture of how the initiatives have been made compatible with their school's wider educational programme; and provide practical guidance, useful links and relevant resources to aid readers'own pursuit of curriculum development. Suitable for primary school teachers and leaders.

Introducing creativity to the classroom is a concern for teachers, governments and future employers around the world, and there has been a drive to make experiences at school more exciting, relevant, challenging and dynamic for all young people, ensuring they leave education able to contribute to the global creative economy.Creative Learning to Meet Special Needs shows teachers how to use creativity in the curriculum for key stages 2 and 3 to support the learning of pupils with special educational needs in a way which effectively engages them and leaves a lasting impact on their school experiences and later lives. Describing the different ways in which a creative approach can help pupils with SEN access the curriculum, with activities and practical materials for teachers, this book will explain: why creativity is central to making the curriculum accessible how to use personalised learning with pupils with SEN how to promote achievements and motivation through creative experiences how the curriculum can be extended and represented in innovative ways for pupils with SEN how to use interactive methods of teaching and alternative methods of communication. Providing case studies and examples of the ways in which teachers have delivered the curriculum creatively to pupils with special educational needs, this book is an invaluable guide for all those involved in teaching and engaging young people with special needs.

Introducing creativity to the classroom is a concern for teachers, governments and future employers around the world, and there has been a drive to make experiences at school more exciting, relevant, challenging and dynamic for all young people, ensuring they leave education able to contribute to the global creative economy.Creative Approaches to Improving Participation examines ways in which young people have been given a creative voice in the classroom, and have actively participated in their own learning, transforming classrooms, curricula, assessment structures and teaching practices. Promoting reflection on current ‘student-teacher-school'relationships, the contributions within this book illustrate how the active engagement of students can lead to greater motivation, self-reliance and risk-taking, skills essential for a successful post-school career. Through an exploration of students'current inclusion in school life, this book provides: a study of key issues and debates surrounding student participation ideas for increasing student participation and ‘personalised learning'case studies from a range of creative learning projects with analysis of their achievements guidance on the creation of active pedagogies practical suggestions for reflective practice. A practical, accessible guide to creatively increasing students'participation, this book is valuable reading for all practising and trainee teachers, school managers and school leaders working with young people in education.