The Wider Curriculum

I thought I'd give you some breathing space before mentioning the word curriculum again.

However, you really should know about the wider curriculum.

While the NC dictates what all students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland should learn in each subject; it is important that we remember that we are teaching future generations and while English teachers need to ensure they equip students with English skills, they must not forget about the whole person. It is vital that we take every opportunity to guide those young people in our care.

There are seven cross-curriculum dimensions which we should take every opportunity to include in our teaching.

They are:

1. identity and cultural diversity

2. healthy lifestyle

3. community participation

4. enterprise

5. global dimension 

6. technology and media

7. creativity and critical thinking.

And it is not just lesson planning where these dimensions apply. They can include school trips, lunchtime and after-school clubs, special projects and many more.

At my school I have been helping with a luncthime club to suuport pupils creating news reports to enter into a national competition. As well as developing their English skills this requires an element of creativity and critical thinking not to mention the use of technology.

Not as scary as it sound is it?