Direct instruction within the primary curriculum
Fulbridge Academy is a large 4 form inner-city school with over 900 children. 70 per cent of children use English as an additional language (EAL), with over 200 eligible for Pupil PremiumAdditional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities. The academy has adopted an experiential and thematic approach to the curriculum, with themed spaces to immerse pupils in particular topics. Adopting direct instructionA method of instruction in which concepts or skills are taught using explicit teaching techniques, such as demonstrations or lectures, and are practised until fully understood by each student and drawing on insights from cognitive scienceThe study of the human mind, such as the processes of thought, memory, attention and perception, including research into working memory capacity, teachers focus on structuring the curriculum to enable children to remember necessary information and make the most of their time at school. Watch the video to see some of Fulbridge Academy’s themed spaces and hear more about their approach to curriculum design.
This article was published in and reflects the terminology and understanding of research and evidence in use at the time. Some terms and conclusions may no longer align with current standards. We encourage readers to approach the content with an understanding of this context.
