Thoughts on Junior Curriculm

Here are some thoughts on the junior curriculum.

 

What do we want to see in our students? Self-motivated, inquisitive/problem solvers, team player, effective communication skills (verbally and written).  Currently, I feel they are disengaged with Science.  Many appear to find it too hard and boring.  Is this across the board or just my classes?  What is the data saying?  Would it be worth, as a department, reviewing the data around certain topics to best inform our next steps?  

 

Do we need to have a discussion around what is happening in primary schools?  How do they manage their group work, what research projects do they do, is procedural writing common practise, what problem solving/fair testing do they do?  I believe this kind of discussion would enable us to help our student’s transition into Year 9 Science easier.  

 

Student voice can be so powerful.  As a department, is it possible to develop a survey/questionnaire that we can put out to all Year 9 and 10 (possibly Year 11 too) to get a feel for what works, what they would like to see etc.   

 

I like the idea of focussing on the Skills Required for Science.  The Skill Profile is a great initiative.  However, as a department we have addressed that it needs some work.  I would like to see them used as a tool for the student’s to be able to identify the stage they are at and what the next steps are for them.  Would a departmental review of the NZC values, dispositions and KC’s.   

 

How can we link the key concepts to topics relatable by our junior students?  We have fantastic overriding questions in our scheme.  Are we making the most of them?  Are we empowering our kids to find what interests them in Science?  I would really benefit from workshop sessions around the key topics.  We have a wealth of knowledge in our department.  Together we can really enrich the program that we deliver to our students.  I also belief such discussions would really bring the scheme to “life”.

 

There is such a strong need for research and fair testing in Year 11. Should this be the key ideas and we then bring in the key bio, chem and physic concepts.  I understand that the mini research projects are a start.  I would like to have a review of the latest mini research project.  What were the limitations?  What were key areas of weakness?  What were the key skills we were wanting them to do?  How can we be applying those skills through the rest of the course?

 

In summary, the key next steps surround discussions with our department.  We have a wealth of knowledge amongst us.  Let use our experiences, our data, our ideas and enrich our current program in ways that benefit our students.  

 

If you have any questions please ask me to clarify.