The Dimensions Model provides a framework that schools can easily modify and adapt to suit their own context. It consists of Curriculum Theme Cycles, Curriculum Maps, Catalyst Questions, Literacy Links, Essential Learning Experiences and Assessment for Learning materials all linked through a thematic approach to teaching and learning, from Nursery right through to Year 6.
As many schools have mixed age classes, we have provided a two year rolling programme as well as a single year group curriculum model, making Dimensions easily accessible to everyone.
Half termly, cross-curricular themes form the basis of the Dimensions model. Occasional whole school themes are also included. Every aspect of the model is adaptable, however, from the choice of each theme title to the duration of each theme. For example, a full term could be spent combining two complementary themes.
The curriculum theme cycles are organised into four phases:
- Foundation Stage
- Key Stage 1
- Lower Key Stage 2
- Upper Key Stage 2
The two year rolling programme model divides into Cycle A and Cycle B. Cycle A covers the first year and Cycle B covers the second year of the curriculum programme. Both year groups (eg. LKS2 = Year 3 and 4) follow the same themes over the course of the two years.
The single year group model provides six themes for each year group.
Theme cycles show theme titles, National Curriculum coverage headings and key Curriculum Areas.
The curriculum maps are designed to act as building blocks for learning. The theme title is built upon by key concepts (knowledge, understanding and breadth of learning), key skills and the Curriculum Area skills focus. These concepts and skills should be covered as part of the theme, whilst other subject learning should be inter-woven as appropriate in the cross-curricular links section. There is also a focus on the four applied subjects of Literacy, Numeracy, ICT and PSHE.
The curriculum maps that form part of the two year rolling programme model show the same key concepts for both year groups but the skills are differentiated to reflect progression across each phase.
The maps ensure National Curriculum statutory coverage is included, whilst allowing teachers' ownership of exactly what is taught and how best to teach. The flexibility of the model allows for staff to develop their own creativity.
NOW INCLUDED AS PART OF THE TOOLKIT!
Theme Map Resource Discs for Early Years and Years 1 - 6
Need some creative ideas to help you get started?
- The Dimensions Theme Map Resource Discs provide completed Theme Maps to assist Dimensions schools with planning cross-curricular activities.
- The Theme Map Resource Disc for Early Years covers Nursery and Reception themes, providing ideas for all six areas of learning.
- The Theme Map Resource Disc for Years 1 - 6 covers Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2 and Upper Key Stage 2 Dimensions Model themes. Each Theme Map suggests activities linked to the key subject skills and concepts, through using cross-curricular links. Learning can be reinforced by combining Curriculum Areas, as shown in the completed theme maps. Applied subjects (Literacy, Numeracy, ICT and PSHE) are also covered, with suggested activity links to each theme, enabling these key areas to be fully embedded.
Existing Dimensions schools can also purchase these new resource discs as an addition to their existing toolkit. Please contact us for more details.
Catalyst questions are mapped in with the themes and are designed to stimulate discussion and promote higher order thinking skills. They can be used as a springboard for an introduction to a theme or be used, as appropriate, during the course of a theme.
They are included for all year groups, except Foundation Stage.
The literacy framework has been used to help map out the integration of literacy as part of the themes. All the literacy framework units are linked within each year group and every effort has been made to match appropriate genres to relevant themes.
Most Dimensions schools use the themes as a relevant context for applying literacy skills that are also taught discreetly. Providing writing opportunities across the curriculum is often a focus for many schools and Dimensions seeks to facilitate this through an organised, purposeful approach.
One of the key impacts on learning, as reported to us by almost all Dimensions Schools, has been improved writing, especially amongst boys!
The Essential Learning Experiences (ELEs) are activities that are deemed to be an important part of childhood development. These can cover a range of locations and events and can act as stand-alone opportunities or as integrated activities to enhance the curriculum themes.
They have been planned into the Dimensions Model as part of the mapping process. These can, of course, be changed to suit the needs of your learners and to fit in with your school location. Those included with the themes are merely suggestions and should be used as a starting point.
Once your new curriculum is implemented it must be carefully assessed, monitored and evaluated.
The Dimensions Assessment for Learning tools, included in the Dimensions Model, help to make the assessment process more manageable, employing simple yet effective methods that encourage constructive and collaborative working.
Developing a system for monitoring and evaluation is also covered within this module.
