Engaging curriculum for the middle years

Abstract

This article explores the recent addition of Years 7-10 as a distinct learning pathway within The New Zealand Curriculum in relation to the middle years' historical struggle for recognition. It suggests that this addition presents educationalists with an opportunity to address anew the declining engagement of young adolescents by re-envisioning an engaging curriculum for the middle years. A brief theoretical framework is offered for understanding the importance of fit between learner and schooling. Based on this framework, three essential characteristics of such a curriculum are proposed: relevance, negotiation, and integration.

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Citation
Bishop, P., & Downes, J. (2008). Engaging curriculum for the middle years. Curriculum Matters, 4, 52–68. https://doi.org/10.18296/cm.0096
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