Section Three:
The Commission
findings
The whole child
Literacy and numeracy were perceived as areas of
the curriculum that might particularly benefit from
a more joined-up approach linking schools with
Teaching, learning and assessment home learning. Parents might be more thoroughly
Schools stressed a shift from teacher-focused to involved in a structured way, with benefits to all
child-focused learning with staff adopting a more participants, if children could access ICT-based work
facilitative role. Active learning, interaction and at home and/or could take portable devices
collaboration, for example on joint problem-solving between school and home. For many schools, this
and pupil research, were identified as strategies would require a shift in the mechanisms and
that are likely to be more effective. Access to the processes used for communication with parents
internet can stimulate more diverse and purposeful and carers as it would be important to brief them
communication to peers and others inside and thoroughly on learning programmes and
beyond the UK. The emphasis on skills is likely to expectations.
prompt more cross-curricular working.
One key issue identified by respondents from
schools was that of formal assessment. SATs were 3.3
judged too narrow a mechanism. Technology is Personalisation
already offering ‘fast and reliable feedback which is
non-judgmental’ that can be used directly by pupils Short summary of the policy
to accelerate their learning in literacy and ‘To provide a learning and teaching environment
numeracy. These approaches were seen as having which is highly structured and responsive to each
more potential. pupil’s learning, in order that all are able to
progress, achieve and participate.’ (Gilbert Report:
Resource suggestions included: 2020 Vision)
• planning
_
availability of updated, web-based
planning programmes for the renewed This could include:
Framework • framing the educational system around the
• research materials for pupils
_
for example, a learner
wide range of information sources (books as well • building on an individual’s strengths, interests and
as ICT-based)
_
and teaching on how best to use needs
them • developing engaged, independent learners who
• materials
_
that reflect children’s current interests can achieve their own potential
• materials
_
to support active learning, group • providing students with clear pathways to make
work and pupil-based assessment their own curriculum choices.
• teachers
_
professional development on
Assessment for Learning and how best to There were 39 replies to this topic: 21 from
integrate literacy and numeracy in schools, 2 from local authorities, 7 from
subjects and topics educational suppliers and 9 from education bodies
• teachers
_
time to record and assess or consultants. This was the highest number of
• support staff
_
investment to improve the quality. responses to any topic.
42
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