At Carrington Primary School we believe that learning is a journey, not a race; we all make that journey in our own way but, given timely opportunities, we make that journey all the same.

A DIFFERENTIATED CURRICULUM – WHAT IS IT?

“Differentiated curricula are “sets of specialised learning experiences which develop the unique abilities of students. The process of differentiating curricula is one of “individualising curricula to better match individual and group learning needs, abilities and styles.”

Assessment of level and rate of learning as well as determination of student interests are essential in appropriate placement of the student in the curriculum.
A variety of flexible pacing options must be considered that allow students to progress at their own rates. The learning environment is most appropriate when teachers understand and encourage the strengths and abilities of students.
Processes require modification depending on what stage a student is at in relation to the area of study being taught.
Products should be varied, chosen by the student, directed towards an interested audience, and, if shared outside the classroom, of highest quality.
A differentiated curriculum tailors the educational program to actively engage all students and enrich their learning experiences. A differentiated curriculum focuses on individual requirements and takes account of learning styles and levels of ability in particular domains. Within a differentiated curriculum, teachers provide a range of strategies that enable the development of creative and critical thinking.

Effective curriculum design also provides for alternative measures of assessment that allow both the teacher and the student to monitor progress and developmental milestones.

Students at Carrington are challenged with a variety of different thinking tools and organisers ( see Teaching & Learning). Their learning styles are evaluated and catered for, and through the use of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences students develop in a variety of ways.

What are the types of learning styles?

Visual Learners:

learn through seeing... .

These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

Auditory Learners:

learn through listening...

They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:

learn through , moving, doing and touching...

Tactile/Kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

What are the types of Multiple Intelligence?

Howard Gardner claims that all human beings have multiple intelligences. These multiple intelligences can be nurtured and strengthened, or ignored and weakened. He believes each individual has nine intelligences:

Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence -- well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words

Mathematical-Logical Intelligence -- ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns

Musical Intelligence -- ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber

Visual-Spatial Intelligence -- capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence -- ability to control one's body movements and to handle objects skillfully

Interpersonal Intelligence -- capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence -- capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes

Naturalist Intelligence -- ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature

Existential Intelligence -- sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.