Teaching Blocks
Across the school year, the curriculum will be taught in seven-week blocks.
The first six weeks of each block are the students’ ‘learning weeks’. During these weeks, students immerse themselves in the curriculum through 3 main approaches to learning:
Applied Transdiscipline Learning Assignment (10hr/wk)
These are typically longer sessions that present students with the opportunity to solve a real-world problem or issue through applying their knowledge and skills from a wide variety of disciplines including English, Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Music, Drama, Spanish, RSHE and SMSC (including British Values, Citizenship and Religion). The students work in teams to apply computational thinking strategies to work toward finding a solution to the problem or issue. The outcome is a high-quality product, performance and/ or presentation during the Assessment, Performance and Presentation ‘7th week’.
Single Discipline Learning Sessions (15hr/wk)
- English (5hr/wk)
- Mathematics (5hr/wk)
- Triple Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics (5hr/wk)
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of English, Mathematics and Science through single discipline sessions. Whilst the focus is on developing students’ confidence and skills in these core disciplines, students will still apply computational thinking strategies to solve problems and complement their learning with Art and Design.
Workshops (APPROX. 6hr/wk)
- Computer Science
- Digital Visual Arts (Creative Technology)
- P.E and Dance
- Performance (e.g. Music/ Drama)
- Spanish
Students will become confident digital and cross-cultural communicators and performers through participating in a range of workshops across computer science, performing arts, physical and linguistic disciplines.
A ‘Typical Day’ at LAB
At Livingstone, our flexible and innovative approach to curriculum planning allows students to experience a unique combination of learning sessions and approaches which is tailored to their progress and interests and is responsive to developments in our ever-changing world.
To fulfil our vision of a responsive and innovative curriculum, the Livingstone day will not be constrained by school bells or rigid scheduled timings. So whilst there is no ‘typical day’ at Livingstone, the following schedule provides a taste of what students can expect.
| 8.30 – 11.00 | Single discipline Session: Mathematics (including 30min break) |
| 11.00 – 1.15 | Applied Transdiscipline Learning Assignment |
| 1.15 – 1.45 | Lunch |
| 1.45 – 2.00 | Mentoring / ‘TIP’ sessions (10-20 mins per day, sometimes longer – will happen at variable times). In these daily sessions, students will discuss: T – ‘Thought for the Day’ I – Information sharing: LAB communications shared with students P – Portfolio/Prep: students will review their work, reflect on their best work which can be added to their portfolio. They will also use this time to check homework guidance to ensure they are prepared for the next day. |
| 2.00 – 2.30 | Computer Science Programming Workshop |
| 2.30 – 4.00 | Single Discipline Session: English |
Homework – It is anticipated that students will spend no more than one hour per evening preparing for their lessons the following day. Class time will then be preserved for far more efficient collaborative problem-solving.
Enrichment – in addition to breakfast clubs, students will have the opportunity to participate in a selection of after-school enrichment activities ranging from sport to performing arts to music.
Assessment, Performance and personal education – the ‘7th week’
Following each 6 week learning block, students will experience a different type of week which gives them the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate their progress through subject assessments.
- Present and perform high-quality work to their peers, teachers, families and the wider community.
- Create, innovate and explore new technologies.
- Additional STEAM/ Engineering workshops.
- Engage in a range of community projects.
- Participate in Wellness Curriculum workshops exploring a range of physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and environmental issues relating to relationships (including online relationships), safety (including online safety), health, religion, culture and community (meeting RSHE requirements, covering elements of the British Values, Citizenship and Religion Education Curriculum, and delivering SMSC Education).
This week will also give students the space to reflect on their development, both on an academic and personal level.