Cross-curricular Teaching
"Cross-curricular learning: when the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a number of different disciplines are applied to a single experience, theme or idea."
Jonathan Barnes, Cross-Curricular Learning 3-14, 2007.
There is no doubt that our experiences and perceptions of the world can be described as cross-curricular. Everything which surrounds us in life can be perceived and appreciated from multiple perspectives. It is interesting therefore that we are, more often than not, required to teach in distinctly separate topics and themes. However, by applying a theme across two (or more) disciplines we are able to stimulate creativity and understanding in pupils.
The Double & Triple Crossed thematic classroom resources compliment current government and OFSTED guidance encouraging schools to cover more than one subject at a time where possible. They also link with the new Key Stage 3 curriculum which outlines the need for cross-curricular dimensions and increased focus on pupils’ personal skills and allows greater creativity from teachers.
The QCA's Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) framework outlines the need for personal skills and capabilities to underpin the way learners work and learn across curriculum. These skills are an integral part of all the contexts in which learning takes place in schools and are vital to the enhancement of the curriculum.
The thematic resources also have significant links to Speaking and Listening, Thinking Skills, PSHE and Science Enquiry Skills.
Alongside these are the links to current agendas centred on the teaching of science through contemporary contexts in creative ways - cross-curricular teaching is one key method by which to address this.