The AMYC - How, what and why

Abbeyfield SchoolMiddle Years Curriculum (AMYC)

A joined-up curriculum for Year 7 and 8

+

Our aim - Abbeyfield Learner:

http://prezi.com/cpc1gl41rnqy/abbeyfield-learning-wheel-version-3-nov-2011/

Reasons for developing AMYC

1. More explicit learning goals - Knowledge, Skills & Understanding (across all subjects)

KNOWLEDGE

SKILLSUNDERSTANDING


2. Design that links subjects and themes


3. Subjects are linked but not all the time (only when links are meaningful) - helping students’ brains make links


4. Big Ideas to give context


5. More coherent process of learning


6. Some increased teacher collaboration,


7. Teachers and student more aware of teaching in other subjects

How, what and why?

• The AMYC (Abbeyfield Middle Years Curriculum) is a curriculum that focuses foremost on student learning. It is based on the International Middle Years Curriculum programme and tailored to the specific needs of students at Abbeyfield School, whilst still meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.

• The AMYC will promote independence and interdependence in student learning through discrete subject lessons based around termly themes. This encourages learning that helps students make connections that are relevant to their own lives as well as providing the essential skills to enable our students to reach their full potential at GCSE and beyond.

• The AMYC promotes self-reflection and the opportunity for students to make sense of their learning. In addition, it encourages students to use the very latest media platforms to present their learning and express their thinking.

Geography

History

Science

ICT

German

Music

Art

Technology

Philosophy

2011 Learning model:

What the learning experience will be like:

Our aim - Abbeyfield Learner:

Term Topic Big Idea

1 RiskProgress involves exposing ourselves to, and considering the impact of, forms of danger,

harm, uncertainty or opportunity

2 Discovery Finding out new things is a human driver and affects things for better or worse

3 AdaptabilityAdaptability is demonstrated by the ability to

cope, alter or change with new circumstances or environments

4 Balance Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions

5 Creativity Innovation happens when existing ideas are brought together or expressed in a new way

6 Structures Formal arrangements and relationships underpin or give organisation to complex issues

Connecting learning in Year 7 at Abbeyfield School

Entry point

Exit Point

Big idea

Knowledge harvest

Lesson Learning goals

Research and record

learning activities

Reflection opportunities

Abbeyfield Learning Wheel

*inspired by IMYC curriculum model

Entrypoint

Exit Point

Big idea

Knowledge harvest


Research and record

learning activities




Clear and explicit learning goals are set for each subject involved in the topic

Entry point

Lesson Exit Point

Big idea

Knowledge harvest


Research and record

learning activities




Each topic begins with an ‘Entry point’ which revolves around the ‘Big idea’. This provides a context to the learning for the term.

The Entry point usually involves a practical activity or a challenge to get students thinking about the topic and provide a sense of awe and wonder

Entrypoint

Exit Point

Big idea

Knowledge harvest


Research and record

learning activities


Abbeyfield Learning Wheel Lesson planning


The topic ‘Exit Point’ provides students withThe opportunity to reflect on their

Learning during the term, linked to the‘Big idea’

An example unit

http://prezi.com/qp2pbmxcpfl3/amyc-year-7-term-3-adaptability/

From here to here

Learning at Abbeyfield School

More details and information can be found at:

http://amycuk.blogspot.co.uk

David Drake 2013Advanced Skills Teacher

Abbeyfield School

The AMYC - How, what and why

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