Assignment Three
Question one
Explain what is meant by the term the national curriculum.
The national curriculum started in 1988. This means that certain subjects became compulsory for pupils aged 5-16 years of age.
These include the three core subjects: literacy,numeracy and science.
Other subjects are known as foundation subjects these may include: design technology, information and communication technology(I.C.T),history,geography art and design, music, physical education,modern languages and citizenship.
There are four key stages which determine the content of what will be taught and which set attainment targets for learning and also states how performance will be assessed and reported,this is not statutory in countries outside England.
Keystage one- 5-7 years.
Keystage two- 7-11 years.
This two key stages are usually taught in primary schools.
Key stage three- 11-14 years
Key stage four- 14-16 years
And this two are usually taught in secondary schools.
Foundation subjects are taught at the schools discretion although citizenship is usually taught to key stage 3 pupils,it has been known to be taught to key stage 2 pupil.
As well as these subjects pupils must be taught religious education and sex education in secondary school unless the parent/guardian does not wish for their child to attend these lessons.
The national curriculum does not include detailed lesson plans for the teachers,as they plan their own lessons according to the pupils.
It also prepares pupils for opportunities,responsibilities and experiences of the adult life, effectively giving pupils,teacher,parents and employer's a clear and shared understanding of the skills and knowledge that young people will gain at school.
Question two
Discuss 5 key factors that influence learning
Rewards and punishment
Some pupils respond to receiving rewards for good behaviour such as prizes,sweets,extra time on the computer or stickers on the reward chart.
However pupils can also respond to punishment they will start to understand that if they are being disruptive or naughty they will face the consequences of their actions, making them behave and focused on their task.
Subject content
If the child is interested in a certain subject they are learning about they will be more involved in their work and put their all in getting the task completed and hopefully right.
On the other hand if they have no interest in the subject what so ever they will lack the need to want to pay attention and not complete their work and probably be very disruptive.
Cultural background
The cultural influences of the family will have a significant influence on the way children learn and what is expected of them.they may have different views on dress code,family values,diet,behaviour and social interaction to others in their class and this can inhibit relationships if their customs and beliefs are mis-understood and valued.
Physical factor
A child may have a physical disability that inhibits learning poor health,such as short and long term illnesses,can also inhibit effective learning as the child may have to be away from the learning environment for long periods of time this may be related to genetic disorders and consistent ill health due to poor nutrition.
Past experiences of learning
If a child has been previously expelled from their old school they probably had a negative attitude.
Moving to a new school would either give them a new start to create a new positive future for them selves or they will have a more negative attitude from before, as they may feel that their teacher from their old school just gave up on them,this will give the child less interest in their learning.
Question three
Comment on the role of the teaching assistant whilst supporting the planning and evaluation of learning activities
The teacher plans the activities, the teaching assistant needs to make sure everything is available such as the room being