Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School... The Arts

Book excerpt: The school curriculum is a contested arena. There are competing pressures from those who advocate that it should be constructed on a subject specific basis, whereas at the other end of the continuum is the stance taken by this book, that learning, and especially learning in the arts, can transcend artificial boundaries between subjects. This book sets out a case for cross-curricular learning involving the arts in secondary schools. Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School...The Arts argues for the development of a new, skilful pedagogy which embeds an authentic, cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning in the work of the individual teacher. Teachers are empowered to think about creative pedagogies, and pupils are able to engage in deep learning as a result. Key features of the text include: theoretical examination of key issues curriculum planning materials and resources a wide range of case studies drawn from innovative practise frameworks for assessment and evaluation. Part of the Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School series, this textbook breaks the boundaries between curriculum subjects and the arts. It is timely reading for all students on Initial Teacher Training courses as well as practising teachers looking to introduce cross-curricular themes in their own subjects.