The Bloggers 2.8

How could expressive arts sessions relate to the four purposes of the curriculum (Donaldson, 2015)? Expressive arts, an area of learning and experience within the new curriculum, consists of art and design, music, dance and drama. There may be the inclusion of film, media or ‘wider creative aspects such as improvisation’ (Meehan, 2015) The subjects contribute to all four purposes of the curriculum for children to become ‘ambitious, capable learners, enterprising, creative contributors, ethical, informed citizens and healthy, confident individuals.’ (Welsh Government, 2018) Through the sessions pupils can ‘express their feelings and emotions, discover and develop their personal, social, cultural identity, learn to recognise and value their culture locally, nationally and globally.’ (Education Scotland, 2018) The Welsh Government has changed the way the curriculum is delivered in Wales and has emphasised more of an importance towards expressive arts amongst core subjects such as

How can physical education be used to promote well-being in primary education? This blog post will cover how being active through physical education (PE) can promote well-being in primary education. Well-being is defined by Shah and Marks in 2004 as ‘developing as a person, being fulfilled, and contributing to the community.’ (Dodge et al. 2012) as well as being in ‘a positive physical, social and mental state’ (Department of Health, 2010) One approach to improving our wellbeing, quality of life and mental health is by participating in a sport. In primary it is vital that younger age groups have access to physical education as it has been found to have lasting impact upon a child’s physical and mental wellbeing. (Department of Health, 2014) It is important as in 2015, it was recorded that one in three children left primary school obese or overweight. (Marsh, 2015) A shocking statistic which encourages schools to keep children active and participating in a sport so they can

How can science and technology activities be made engaging and relevant in primary education? Science and technology can be made engaging and relevant within primary education in multiple ways to enhance children’s knowledge and understanding but also their awareness of the future of the two subjects within and outside the curriculum.     Donaldson’s reform combined science and technology under the same area of experience through the Successful Futures report (2015). (Welsh Government, 2018) This boosts the activities and learning opportunities that can be made available for children as teachers can interlink the two subjects to enhance materials, knowledge and ensuring to meet the four purposes of the curriculum. Children can learn how to use ‘data to assess risks and take informed decisions; use technology safely and with respect for others’ can form healthy and confident individuals through science and technology. (Donaldson, 2018)   Donaldson’s report also promotes young

What is the value of the Welsh language in primary education? The value of the Welsh language in primary schools has become more perceptible over the years. Welsh is the oldest language in Europe and the most common after English. (O’Hagan, 2014) In 1989, the National Curriculum introduced Welsh into schools and by 1990, statistics showed only ‘one in every four primary school children were taught in Welsh’. (Beardsmore, 1993, p.11) The Welsh Government promoted teaching the language further and implemented compulsory rules that children aged 3-16 years old are taught Welsh as a first or second language. This was to encourage children to learn, understand and build pupil’s confidence with applying the language in different situations and ‘enabling the Welsh language to thrive’. (Welsh Government, 2015, p.6) The Welsh language has many values in primary education and ‘cultural, cognitive and practical benefits’. (Donaldson, 2015, p.58) The value is strengthened in schools as

How can science and technology activities be made engaging and relevant in primary education? Science is taught across the country throughout primary and secondary classrooms, and is thought by many to be an important part of the curriculum. “ In one form or another, it is continually changing and improving the way that we live our lives. It makes and sustains our modern society and will help us to understand and solve the big questions that our world faces ( Welsh Government, 2012). The Welsh Government are indicating how they believe science and technology will be extremely influential to the progression in society in the future, and how detrimental it is to be taught thought engaging lessons and activities throughout the primary classroom. Furthermore, the Science Museum Group suggest that science is not just a subject, science and technology are the future as they are continuing to advance society and the way in which we live our lives (Science Museum Group, 2017). The Wels