Bedrock’s core curriculum has the power to transform the instruction of Tier 2 vocabulary and grammar at secondary schools. It offers a consistent solution to language learning, encourages learners to read on a regular basis, and provides a well-sequenced and engaging approach to grammar instruction.
Using the core curriculum in secondary schools
At such a critical stage of their education journeys, secondary school learners can benefit greatly from Bedrock’s core curriculum, strengthening their literacy skills through direct vocabulary instruction and essential grammar lessons. Hundreds of secondary schools have effectively implemented Bedrock in the following ways:
- Dedicated Bedrock time is often set aside as part of the timetable, creating a protected space for learners to develop their literacy skills. Bedrock provides structure and consistency to literacy lessons throughout the school year.
- In schools with limited technology resources, learners are split into two groups during literacy lessons. Half the class has time to complete their Bedrock whilst the other half are reading, and halfway through the lesson, the groups swap activities.
- In many secondary schools, the timetable slot for Bedrock rotates each week/fortnight, which reduces the impact on one subject area's curriculum time. This approach is especially effective in schools with a two week timetable, as learners are already accustomed to rotation of subjects. Additionally, many secondary schools allocate time for Bedrock completion during tutor time.
- Some secondary schools have introduced Bedrock clubs outside of the core school day. For example, a Bedrock breakfast club, lunchtime club or after school literacy club gives learners the option to complete their Bedrock homework using the school’s facilities. These sessions may be invitation only, or open to everyone, depending on the needs of your learners.
- Bedrock lessons can be used as a starter activity, and not just in English lessons! A vocabulary or grammar lesson can help learners get engaged at the beginning of a class, and this also highlights the importance of vocabulary and reading in all subjects.
- Teachers can use the grammar videos during English classes to provide context to the learning. Then, learners go on to complete their Bedrock lessons afterwards. This allows learners to be supported at a whole-class level before independently completing the activities, supporting retention of the new grammar content.
- Due to the wide range of reporting and tracking tools available within Bedrock, the core curriculum can be used to set English homework. Progress is easily trackable, and can help teachers to identify areas of literacy that learners find challenging.
- Some secondary schools allocate time for 1 lesson per week during school and set 1 lesson as homework. When asking learners to complete lessons at home, most secondary schools find it helpful to set a target based upon achieving a certain number of points, or spending a set amount of time learning, so that learners have a clear idea of their weekly Bedrock goals.
This helpful PDF gives you some more information about how the Core curriculum can be used in different ways.
For more information about Bedrock’s core curriculum, and how it can be adopted to improve literacy across your school, read our additional article about implementation.
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