Cross-Curricular Learning

Cross-curricular learning
            The increasing importance of cross-curricular learning in primary education is visible in Donaldson's Successful Futures (2015). In the areas of learning section of this review, ways in which each area can be linked to other subjects are fully explained. This helps practitioners to understand how they can best involve cross-curricular learning in their teaching. (Donaldson, 2015)

            Cross-curricular learning is the idea of more than one subject area being taught during the same topic and/or activity in the classroom. It is linked closely with the concept of a ‘creative curriculum’. This is because the ideas of which aspects of the curriculum are ‘crossed’ are based on the decisions and personal preferences of the practitioners, injecting their own level of creativity into planning. (Kerry, 2015)
            On the other hand, the importance of cross-curricular learning in primary schools can be questioned as it is not mentioned in the National Curriculum for England (2013). Because of this, it could be argued that this concept is not seen as a beneficial or necessary part of education. (Kerry, 2015)



















(Barnes, 2015)
           
However, when put into practice in the correct way, cross-curricular learning is an ideal way of engaging students and giving all aspects of their learning a theme and topic to work towards. The above guide helps practitioners to understand how to approach the concept. Furthermore, teachers are advised to approach cross-curricular learning by beginning with the main subject and its objectives, with the theme or topic in mind. After this, it is then recommended that they begin to select other subjects that can be linked in. (Rowley & Cooper, 2009)

References
Barnes, J. (2015). Cross-curricular learning 3-14. Sage.


Donaldson, G. (2015). Successful futures: Independent review of curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales. Welsh Government.

Kerry, T. (2015). Cross-curricular teaching in the primary school : Planning and facilitating imaginative lessons (Second ed.). London ; New York: Routledge.

Rowley, C., & Cooper, H. (Eds.). (2009). Cross-curricular approaches to teaching and learning. Sage.


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