Child Development

Intent:

The Child Development team are passionate about fostering understanding of the intricate processes of child development and committed to explaining the holistic growth of children. We aim to create an environment ignited by curiosity about how children grow, learn, and interact with the world around them.

The Child Development curriculum is designed to contribute to the student’s cultural capital by increasing their awareness of factors that affect the decision to have children as well as conditions for development of a child. The British Values of tolerance and respect for others choices, care for the young and vulnerable and the importance of a positive childhood experience are important themes which permeate the entire course. 

Becoming a parent is one of life’s major experiences, and it is also one of life’s major responsibilities. Responsibility for the well-being of a child starts before conception and the knowledge and skills developed in the course aim to provide our students with an overview of the roles and responsibilities of parenthood alongside an understanding of reproduction and pre-conceptual, antenatal and postnatal care. Furthermore, we highlight how genetic anomalies, illnesses or complications in birth may influence how a baby develops. Through investigation of health and safety and how equipment and activity can affect play choices and development, students produce well thought out coursework units. The students will access different resources and external agency advice and guidance that encourages them to critically think about and debate the system and provision currently in operation.

Further information

Our Curriculum

The Child Development curriculum aims to enable all pupils, regardless of ability or prior knowledge to learn about the development of a child aged 0-5 years, as well as dietary guidelines and equipment nurseries might require to safely look after them. We aim to enthuse students about a career working with children and young people, equip them with some of the practical skills needed within the early years sector and prepare students for higher qualifications in Child Care or Health and Social Care. The Child Development course will help students gain a wide overview of the beginning of life, from conception to five years and understand the role of the childcare practitioner. Students will develop knowledge about the roles and responsibilities that come with parenthood- from reproduction and pregnancy- through to preparation for birth. They will understand how a baby can develop and thrive in the right conditions. Throughout the course students will acquire transferable skills in research, evaluating, analytical and critical thinking.

Implementation: Teaching and planning

Teaching in the Child Development department aims to nurture and develop individuals that are motivated and passionate about Child Development. We use a planned and sequenced curriculum which has been developed, using the OCR curriculum guidance. The wider world of child development and care is dynamic and forever changing. Our teachers are mindful to keep up to date and to approach their teaching in a progressive and flexible way. It is a new course and so will need to be monitored and modified to ensure our provision remains suitable and fit for purpose and make continual relevant changes identified from a variety of sources. 

As a department, we aim to employ a variety of teaching methods and resources, such as practical opportunities and real-life scenarios, which will support students in developing their applied knowledge and practical skills. We aim to utilise formative assessment and differentiation to tailor learning experiences to individual needs and SEN considerations, ensuring all students are challenged and supported. Our curriculum meets the needs of all students across the ability range through supporting and inclusive lessons and we cater for and meet the needs of SEND, PP and disadvantaged pupils through differentiated resources. 

We regularly use modelling of language and presentation to demonstrate good practice as well as raise standards and expectations.  Our marking and targeted feedback inform planning and address misconceptions, particularly leading into the students' independent controlled assessments, but also throughout lessons with skilful questioning, starter activities and plenaries.   

This is achieved through a variety of approaches, including undertaking research tasks, examining case studies, exploring public campaigns, liaising with a local childcare establishment and visiting speakers.

Assessment

Assessment within the Child Development department is designed to take place when it can have the biggest impact on student learning and outcomes. The course is designed to contain 2 controlled assessment tasks and finish with an exam at the end of the 2-year course. 

Formative assessment is carried out throughout the course in lessons through effective questioning and other verbal interactions with students. The use of silent starters and homework builds on prior learning and addresses any misconceptions. Self-assessed work and peer-assessed work when appropriate are also used to ensure that teaching and learning are responsive.

Summative assessment enables students to build the required skills that will be necessary for success in either their controlled assessments or exams.  The style of the assessments includes skills-based to prepare for their assessments, knowledge recall, interpretation and independent extended writing.  Feedback is a key part of the assessment process in the department so that the students can chart their progress and become resilient and responsive learners.

Impact

Overall we aim to inspire students to want to pursue a career working in the Child Care sector or simply with Children in a range of professions to continue to support a vital resource within society. We equip them with some of the practical skills needed to pursue such a career and prepare students for higher qualifications in related sectors. Child Development promotes opportunities for students to draw from case studies and opportunities to undertake research to complement learning and create skills that will be used throughout their lives.

Curriculum time allocation

KS4 (Years 10 and 11) - 5 hours per fortnight

Curriculum pathways

KS4

KS4 Personal Learning Checklists (PLC)

Child Development PLC RO59 Year 10 NEA

Child Development PLC RO 58 Year 11 NEA

Child Development PLC RO57 Written Exam

KS4 exam information

Department Contact

Mrs C Jackson-Jones
cjackson-jones@sandhurstschool.org.uk