Early Years, Enriched Curriculum

Many Primary Schools across Northern Ireland have been involved in piloting the Enriched Curriculum Project. The proposals are based on sound research into good early years practice (Katz, Pascal, Laevers etc.) and they look to models of good practice in Reggio Emilia, Denmark, Finland as well as Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

 

In Partnership with CCEA and the other ELBs, schools in the NEELB have been involved in this exciting project. In September 2001, five schools embarked on the project and then in September 2002, ten more schools joined the project (details of schools involved is available on this web site.)

 

The teachers and their classroom assistants have been involved in a variety of full day training sessions and cluster groups throughout the year to increase their knowledge and to develop their own classroom practice.

This project has evolved mainly due to a number of factors:

 

 

Research is being carried out alongside the project to monitor the progress of the children involved. This research is led by Dr. Liz Sproule and her team from Queens University Belfast . The latest report is available on the  website, www.ccea.org.uk

 

The ETI also carried out a survey in April 2004 in Enriched Curriculum schools across Northern Ireland to evaluate the project. This is available for viewing at, www.deni-gov.uk

 

In all the Enriched Curriculum Schools the teachers are trying to;

 

 

 

The Enriched Curriculum is really about “ enriching the learning environment, learning experiences and teaching approaches.” It is not a prescriptive programme as it is unique to each school and to each individual class. In the classroom the children are involved in a wide range of activities and have many opportunities for collaborative learning. Play is the main vehicle for learning in the Enriched Curriculum classroom. The children have regular opportunities to be involved in

 

 

 

 

 

The children are involved on a daily basis in mental maths activities and practical maths sessions. The children are encouraged to think and to discuss their mathematics. The experiences offered to the children are similar to those delivered through the N.I. Numeracy Strategy Training.

 

 

Teachers are trying to give the children more opportunities to be involved in Talking and Listening Activities. They will be involved in whole class and group discussions, circle time and show / tell.

 

Opportunities for shared and modelled reading experiences will occur throughout the day either with the whole class or in small groups. Guided reading will only begin when the teacher feels the child is ready for this.

 

Frequent story sessions will also take place.The teachers are trying to promote a book environment where the children will develop a love and enjoyment of books and stories.

 

The children are encouraged to write thoughout the day and many opportunities for writing will be made available to them eg.At the writing table and during play.

 

 

Science, History and Geography are taught through topics. These are incorporated into the play challenges.Teachers are encouraged to take the children outside to explore the school grounds and the local area.

 

 

The children will have opportunities to develop their social skills and to understand their emotions.The children will be involved in circle time activities where hopefully they will learn to listen, co-operate and to persevere.

 

 

This area of the curriculum includes art and design, music and drama. Throughout the day the children will have regular opportunities to become involved in these types of activities.

 

 

Teachers are now trying to involve the children in more opportunities for physical development and will spend periods outside.

 

The NEELB schools who have been involved in the Enriched Curriculum Pilot are;

Garvagh P.S.

Mallusk P.S.

New Row P.S.

Round Tower P.S.

St. Columba's P.S. (Straw)

 

Ballykeel P.S.

Braidside Integrated P.S.

Corran Integrated P.S.

Loanends Integrated P.S.

Maghera P.S.

Millburn P.S.

St. Joseph's P.S., Crumlin

St. Malachy's P.S., Coleraine

St. Patrick's & St. Brigid's P.S., Ballycastle