What is Critical Skills
The Critical Skills Programme began in Jersey in 2002. It was introduced to ensure that Jersey school children have the skills necessary to live full and successful lives in the 21st Century.
The Evaluation of the Jersey Critical Skills Programme by Professor Ted Wragg, Dr Caroline Wragg and Dr Rosemary Chamberlin 2004 concluded that the critical skills programme in Jersey:
- empowers, rather than inhibits teachers;
- enhances pupils’ learning; and
- is appropriate for its purpose of preparing children for adult life in the 21st Century.
The Critical Skills Programme supports effective teaching practice providing the appropriate classroom environment for high quality learning experiences.
Teachers follow two three day workshops to gain a level 1 in Critical Skills training. This training enables teachers to deploy a wide range of effective teaching methods within a supportive learning environment. They design learning activities or ‘challenges’ that promote deeper understanding and greater retention of essential knowledge.
The Critical Skills Programme and the Assessment for Learning initiatives are closely linked and are aimed towards enhancing pupils learning.
