The accessible curriculum

An accessible curriculum is an inclusive curriculum.

Activity 6: Defining an inclusive curriculum

a. 

Subjects within a school’s curriculum are available to all learners - if they can meet the criteria, age and cognitive ability.


b. 

The curriculum is defined by the subjects taught.


c. 

The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education. It is not specific to subject areas but applies to activities that take place across the school.


d. 

Pupils do not have an entitlement to engage with all aspects of the curriculum.


The correct answer is c.

We’d now like you to consider some areas that would support the development of an accessible curriculum.

Reflective Task: Developing accessible learning

What needs to be put in place to ensure a school community provides an accessible curriculum that can meet the needs of all learners?

Described image
Figure 12 Accessible learning

Discussion

Listed below are some examples of what could be put in place to ensure a school community provides an accessible curriculum that meets the needs of all learners:

  • Ensure that the school management team understands the legislative duties regarding the provision of an accessible curriculum.

  • Ensure that practitioners have access to appropriate information and professional learning so they understand fully what is an accessible curriculum and how they can support it.

  • Ensure a whole school approach to accessibility, including the provision of reasonable adjustments for learners who have identified needs such as a ‘time out’ pass, access to IT, digital learning and teaching resources and digital exams, distribution of printed notes, extra time or use of scribes.

  • Keep evidence of adjustments for individual learners to inform ongoing assessment for use in course work and assessments in accordance with The Scottish Qualification Agency Assessment Arrangement Guidelines (SQA AA). Further information is available in the Section 9. Assessment arrangements allow candidates who are disabled, and/or have been identified as having additional support needs, appropriate arrangements to access the assessment without compromising its integrity.

Inclusive environment

Managing and disseminating information