PLaTes, PiLaTes and PeTaLs

The personal learning and thinking skills (pronounced plaits, pelts and even petals depending on who you are speaking to) are the foundation stone on which the new curriculum is being built and the consistent theme that blends KS3 and KS4 learning. The philosophical shift from subject specific, content driven teaching to skills-focused, cross-curricular learning is likely to be an ongoing adaptation that will require careful nurturing and sensitive leadership. Once again, it is important to keep hold of the overall ‘vision’ of the new curriculum whilst dealing with the range and depth of inevitable curricular minutiae that will be thrown up. The PLTs comprise 6 key areas that will be developed throughout and beyond a pupil’s school life:

• Independent Enquirers
• Creative Thinkers
• Reflective Learners
• Effective Participators
• Self Managers
• Team Workers

A breakdown of what pupils might be expected to do within each of these skill areas can be found here:

An accurate assessment of pupil progress and development within these 6 areas, as well as progression in terms of subject learning and the provision of compelling learning experiences via cross and extra curricular delivery and enrichment opportunities, to say nothing of good teaching, is no small ask but a necessary goal for successful curriculum change.