Planning at Key Stage 2

This section offers the predictable mix of advice on long term, medium term and short term planning.  Now that we have more information and guidance coming from QCA, the variations in the quality of planning are narrowing.  Several key points still need to be made however to stop schools falling into a trap that is leading to overworking and unnecessary transcription.

Key point 1: long term balance of skills and concepts

At the long term planning stage you must plot where you will be developing the key concepts and skills. Not all topics lend themselves to developing the same ideas so someone needs to make informed choices at a whole-key stage level. This will then help you to determine progression within each concept because you know the context in which it will be taking place (see progression section for details). It will also help with assessment, so this needs to be inked in at the long term planning stage.

Key point 2: medium term planning is the centre-piece

For each medium term plan there need to be key questions which drive the topic and give it its emphasis. These questions need to have their own learning objectives which have been carefully pitched using your knowledge of progression.  As there are particular activities that help children reach the objectives, these should be identified and staff encouraged to use them.  The resources for these activities need to be made available.  So overall, the medium term plan should be strong enough to inform most teachers' lessons, making the need for lengthy short-term plans redundant.

Key point 3: keep short-term planning short

Most lesson plans should be cross-referenced to the detailed medium term plans.  They ought not to rewrite them.  The short-term plans must focus on differentiation, and issues to do with grouping, lesson transitions etc.

Key point 4: achieving consistency without cramping initiative

Most teachers need and welcome thoughtful medium term planning to guide them.  Some will need as much detail as they can get.  But for most others the price you pay for prescription is the dulling of imagination.  Teachers keeping close to the script can, if you are not too careful, stop taking risks.  We need plans that unleash others' potential, not curb it.  We need new ideas fed into the planning cycle.

£49.95 for 12 months unlimited access.