The national curriculum framework 2011 : consultation document 1 executive summary

Abstract

The Process of the Curriculum Review This curriculum review stems from Part II of the Education (Amendments) Act, 2006 which focuses on the constitution and functions of the Directorates of Education. Essentially, it puts the onus on the Directorate for Quality and Standards for: • updating the National Curriculum Framework (NCF); • its implementation (taking into consideration issues such as syllabi design, assessment and training needs); • quality assurance mechanisms; and • reviewing the implementation process at regular intervals. The process of reviewing and updating the National Curriculum was launched in March 2008 and completed in July 2010. It included representatives from the Directorates of Education, the Faculty of Education, the MATSEC Examinations Board, and Church and Independent schools. The draft document has been refined following feedback received by invitation from curriculum experts from the Ministry of Education in New Zealand and Learning and Teaching Scotland. A draft NCF document is being presented in April 2011 for a national consultation process after which it will be refined, finalised and adopted as the NCF. The draft curriculum framework is presented in a set of four consultation documents, namely: Document 1: The Executive Summary Document 2: The National Curriculum Framework - Rationale and Components includes a detailed introduction to the theoretical background against which the proposals of the NCF were conceptualised. 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 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 section 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. Document 3: The National Curriculum Framework in Practice. The Three Cycles: The Early, Primary and Secondary Years presents details of how the NCF envisages the learning programme to be offered to children and young people in the three cycles. This document focuses on the application of the NCF in schools and colleges. Document 4: The National Curriculum Framework - The Way Forward summarises the recommendations being proposed in the NCF and examines the implications of such recommendations. The document presents ideas about the management of change which underpin the consultation and implementation strategies the NCF would like to promote. In turn, the consultation and implementation strategies presented are based on an understanding of a change management process