How Geography And Music Contribute To Children

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Critically examine how two contrasting subjects contribute distinctively to children’s learning. Geography and Music are two contrasting foundation subjects within the national curriculum that vitally contribute to children’s learning. Both subjects influence children’s’ spiritual, moral, social and intellectual development; all progressed through the basis of learning upon experience (Pritchard, 2009). For children, learning is the process of expanding on previous knowledge and experience (Wray, 2010). Thus children’s individual, constant and continuous connection with Geography and Music allows for distinctive learning constructing ideas (Bruner, 1999). “Children have a unique status; they are not merely mini-adults” (Fulton, 1996, cited in Hayes, 2008:3). The 1988 Education Reform Act introduced The National Curriculum; “The school curriculum should aim to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life” (Bailey and Earl 2010). Geography is a key subject introduced in the act, with the first programme of study for Primary Geography being introduced in 1991. Geography’s two main elements consist of human and physical environments. Children learn the connection between these elements (Scoffham, 2004). Within Human Geography, an understanding of people and places allows children to explore their own home of culture, history and current surroundings. Local knowledge for children allows them to make sense of their personal identity (Scoffham, 2004). Geography not only teaches children about their local environment but also expands their knowledge on regional, national and global environments (Catling et al., 2009). The study of people throughout geography enables children to understand emotions and other people’s perspective which is crucial to children’s

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