ABSTRACT
This chapter opens with thoughts about the social nature of classrooms and Vygotsky’s concept of ZPD. The nature of the curriculum, including the National Curriculum, is then explored, and three models of thinking are proposed that have influenced the development of curricula. Differentiation is discussed. New material has been added on mental health, with guidance on how curriculum delivery can be modified to take account of issues related to emotional well-being. The last section considers the SENCo’s role in helping ensure that the curriculum is planned and taught in ways that enhance opportunities for those children who have special educational needs. The implications of these perspectives are put into the framework of whole-school curriculum planning, including high-quality teaching. Activity 2 is a staff development exercise on lesson planning for Key Stages 1/2 and 3.
