Cross-curricular planning

 

Cross-curricular approaches to learning are not new, however, with the recent attention given to STEM-based teaching, there appears to be an increased drive to deliver education that both acknowledges and seamlessly links curriculum outcomes which are normally segregated for reporting purposes. 

 

Cross-curricular approaches offer a number of benefits. Firstly, if planned well, cross-curricular teaching can be time-effective. That is, a single lesson can draw from the curriculum of more than one subject. Cross-curricular approaches can help students to recognise that subject skills and knowledge are transferable and can be adapted and used to achieve 'real world' problems.

 

When planning a unit of work, Dr Elaine Lewis (of Coolbinia Primary School) recommends the following.

1. Start with the end in mind.

2. Start small and set achievable teaching goals that are workable in your context.

3. Draw from the past. Adapt and build upon what others have done.

4. Remember, hands-on – minds on. 

5. Be flexible.

6. Involve students & keep them engaged and informed.

7. Give and accept useful feedback. 

8. Factor in room for achievement. 

9. Plan for accountability.

10. Have room for conflict and resolution.

 

 

A Teacher Planning Workshop  was held as part of the Cockburn and Fremantle Butterfly Garden Project. The workshop was presented by Dr Lewis who has generously allowed the publication of the workshop information slides.

 

 

 

Planning Resources

 

Below is a number of documents that have been developed for planning cross-curricular programs and lessons. 

 

Curriculum Summary 

 

The Curriculum Integration documents provide a one-page summary of the 8 learning areas of the Australian curriculum. Each document focuses on a particular primary school year of learning.

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 Chapman-Hill, K., Kindergarten Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2017.

 

 Pre-primary Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2017.

 

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T.,Year 1 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T.,Year 2 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T.,Year 3 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T.,Year 4 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T., Year 5 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016. 

 Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T.,Year 6 Curriculum Integration. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

 

 

Cross-curricular STEM Planning Templates

       

Chapman-Hill, K., Kindergarten Program Planner. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2017.

Annotation: A one-page document used to record planning that maps out the cross-curricular links of a themed teaching program.

 

Bushe-Jones, J., and Whitbread, T., STEM Program Planner. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2016.

Annotation: A two-page document used to record planning that maps out the cross-curricular links of a themed teaching program.

 

Sputore, B., STEM Lessons Program Planner. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2017.

Annotation: A table that is designed to record a sequence of lessons that is delivered as part of a STEM education program. A brief summary of each lesson is guided by the following table headings: main learning activity, WALT, science learning outcomes, technologies learning outcomes, engineering learning outcomes and maths learning outcomes.

 

Lewis, E., Cross-Curricular Unit Planner. Perth, The Department of Education of Western Australia, 2018.

Annotation: A simple template to record the planning of a unit of work which crosses the eight curriculum areas.

 

REAL Projects, DIY Manual: Modules 1-6. London, REAL Projects (Rigorous. Engaging. Authentic. Learning.), 2018.

Annotation: REAL Projects is a designed approach for learning that connects deep subject content with real-world problem-solving. The REAL Projects DIY Manual introduces concepts of project-based learning through recommended readings, put-it-to-practice activities, and reflection prompts.  This document includes project planner templates.