How actual is Dalton?

It is always a challenge to compare The Dalton Plan with  trends in the educational world.

During the last months I was triggered by two developments.

1. Primary Years Programme

2. 21st Century Skills

Lets have a look.

What is the Primary Years Programme?

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is defined by six trans disciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

The PYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums and provides the best preparation for students to engage in the IB Middle Years Programme.

The IB Primary Years Programme

           - addresses students’ academic, social and emotional well-bein
-encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning 
-supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it
-helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international-mindedness will develop   and flourish.

The Primary Years Programme: preparing students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.

21st Century Skills.

The elements described in this section as “21st century student outcomes” (represented by the rainbow) are the skills, knowledge and expertise students should master to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

1. Core Subjects (the 3 Rs) and 21st Century Themes

2. Learning and Innovation Skills

·         Creativity and Innovation

·         Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

·         Communication and Collaboration

3. Information, Media and Technology Skills

·         Information Literacy

·         Media Literacy

·         ICT Literacy

 4. Life and Career Skills

Of course we stay close to our Dalton roots, but it is obvious that we will adapt and integrate elements of new developments. 

Like we did since 1924 !