The Unlocking Learning Curriculum is a competency based curriculum which incorporates a number of subjects in project based learning. Currently Year 7 and Year 8 each spend two days developing their skills and enhancing their knowledge using this holistic approach to learning. Departments that work collaboratively within Unlocking Learning include English, Science, Technology, ICT, Art, Geography and History.
Haybridge is one of fifteen schools who have teamed up with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to develop this innovative method. This will allow us to be at the forefront of a curriculum which incorporates fully the Personal Learning and Thinking Skills agenda and also goes further to give students a solid foundation of personal skills and academic strength to develop successful citizens of the future. This opportunity to work with innovative schools will enable us to move closer to our goal of becoming a world class school providing students will the opportunities to compete on a world class stage.
This academic year (2009-10) also sees the adoption of skills based learning across the curriculum incorporated into lessons by all teachers. Student feedback about Unlocking Learning is extremely positive and this is why we are keen to develop the implementation of skills based learning across all lessons.
The new KS3 curriculum will prepare learners for their future both within and outside of school. 2008 saw the launch of the new AS qualifications and new GCSEs will be phased in across all subjects to start from 2009 to 2011. As Dr Ken Boston, QCA's Chief Executive said:
"The 14-19 Education Reform programme is the most important educational innovation in a generation and its introduction will ensure that all young people are able to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding when studying for a qualification that meets their individual abilities. In reforming the GCSE qualification and subject criteria we have ensured that these are aligned to the scope and ambition of the new Diplomas."