The national curriculum framework 2011 : consultation document 2 rationale and components

Abstract

This document provides a detailed introduction to the theoretical background against which the proposals of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) were conceptualised. By presenting an overview of seminal reports and documents which highlight the local policy context together with recent EU policy directions, this document introduces the reader to the rationale which motivated the review of the existing curriculum. The first section concludes with a summary of the main tenets of the NCF summarising the major changes and challenges envisaged by the framework. The second section of this document presents the aims and general principles upon which the NCF is developed and which can be achieved and realised through the proposed learning areas and cross-curricular themes. The third and final section of this document invites the reader to reflect upon the implications which the proposed organisation of the curricular learning areas has for effective pedagogy, practice and evaluation procedures.