Integrating the Curriculum: Middle Years (EDUC90421)

This subject investigates in theory and practice models and approaches to curriculum organisation in the middle years of schooling. Teacher candidates will examine research into the middle years that highlights the significance of adolescent students’ engagement in meaningful, world-connected learning; the range of models and approaches to curriculum planning that account for the transition in learning from Years 5-8; the variety of structural organisers available for curriculum integration in contemporary educational contexts, with particular focus on the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and the Productive Pedagogies framework; and the barriers and constraints to successful curriculum integration. Specifically, teacher candidates will be involved in a critical examination of the learning, needs and interests of 10-14 year old students through (i) analysis and application of key recommendations for teaching adolescents that have emerged from research, and (ii) participation in practical, task-based group and individual planning, demonstration and analysis of some of the models and approaches to curriculum organisation in the middle years.