‘What Matters’ in building the new Curriculum for Wales?

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Instant answers might leap to mind when you read this blog post’s title. But the post has a deeper intent – to delve into the theory of curriculum design.

Pioneer schools are currently working to develop the six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs) and are taking a fresh approach to curriculum design.  

During this term, AoLE groups are working to determine ‘what matters’ – the key knowledge, skills and concepts – for their respective Areas of Learning and Experience. But how are they approaching this task?

‘Backwards Design’, ‘Big Ideas’ and ‘What Matters’  – can all sound a little hyperbolic, but they refer to some of the research that sits behind the approach. In a detailed blog post, James Kent of the Education Achievement Service summarises and explains.