Subject Content
Opening Minds is a competency based, learn to learn curriculum where the focus is for pupils to develop their independent learning skills. It was introduced at Longfield School 3 years ago as part of the new National Curriculum with a focus on the Personal Learning and Thinking Skills. Pupils are taught in form groups for 7 hours a week primarily with one teacher. This helps in the transition period from Primary school and gives pupils the opportunity to build a strong work ethic and to develop positive friendship groups.

Within Opening Minds pupils study a range of topics where they are encouraged to manage their own time and workload. They learn to participate fully whether working individually or as part of a team and will develop their creative skills and learn to reflect on their experiences. Topics include Longfield Life, Dragon’s Apprentice, Smart Brain and Onwards and Upwards. During this year pupils will learn the skills required to be successful learners for the remainder of their time at Longfield School.

Literacy and reading has a key focus during Opening Minds lessons and pupils have completed a Salford reading assessment (sight word reading) and an NferNelson (reading comprehension) test. These tests indicate pupils who need further intervention to increase their success in Secondary school. Pupils who have a reading age of below 10.6 years will re do the Salford reading test during the year to monitor progress.

Each year the Opening Minds department offers each pupil an educational visit to Kingswood outdoor activity centre in Wales.
This academic year the visit will be the week 14-18th March 2011. All pupils are encouraged to take part.