Dumfries & Galloway : Curriculum Flexibility Project
Kirkcudbright Academy
What is this?
A five year programme of curricular change designed to provide greater flexibility and more appropriate learning experiences for an increasingly diverse pupil population. The main features of this programme will be:
The organisation of S1 classes according to interest groups.
Pupils will undertake a two year course of study (Standard Grade or NC courses) in S2/3.
A combined S4-S6 timetable.
Developing a wider range of learning opportunities through links with local businesses and local educational bodies to deliver packages of work experience and vocational training.
Enhanced experience for S6 pupils.
FLaT involvement?
FLaT support is provided to explore flexibility in curricular provision and whole school approaches to providing a more challenging and motivating learning experience thus raising attainment and achievement levels.
Links with National Priorities?
1. Achievement & Attainment
2. Framework for Learning
3. Inclusion & Equality
5. Learning for Life
Project aims?
To refine grouping criteria for creation of classes in S1.
To develop new and appropriate courses for S1.
To provide staff with opportunities to investigate and develop new teaching strategies to cater for different pupils interests and styles.
To provide pupils with more appropriately paced learning.
To provide pupils in the Senior school (S4-S6)with greater choice and development of a wider range of skills.
To offer pupils a wider range of academic and vocational courses at appropriate levels.
To develop a range of partnerships with local businesses and other educational bodies including FE institutions.
Project outcomes?
To raise attainment and achievement levels through:
providing a more appropriate learning experience and therefore increasing pupil self-esteem and motivation; and
enhancing the range and appropriateness of learning and teaching strategies used across the school.
Timescale?
The project started in May 2003 and is due to be completed by May 2007.
Level of support?
FLaT support is in the form of a grant of £69,000 over the first three years of the project. The bulk of this money will pay for some additional staffing and resources which will be required during the years of transition from existing structures to the new curricular structures.
Who are the evaluation team?
University of Glasgow. Project Manager - Professor Eric Wilkinson
Contact person
Dugald C Forbes, Rector, Kirkcudbright Academy, St Mary's Wynd, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JN. Tel: 01557 330440. Email: forbesd@alj.dumgal.org.uk