Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Unit 1 Rationale

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Unit 1 Rationale and Overview © PMB 2007

Learning Intentions • • • To understand the place and rationale for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PD&MU) in the Revised Curriculum To consider the challenges facing children To consider how we can use PD&MU to prepare children for these challenges © PMB 2007

How Is PD&MU Structured? Strand 1 Personal Understanding and Health Themes • self-awareness • feelings and emotions • learning to learn • health and safety © PMB 2007 Strand 2 Mutual Understanding in the Local and Wider Community • • • relationships responsibilities approaches to conflict similarities and differences community involvement

PD&MU and The Big Picture Supports the Revised Curriculum’s aim: ‘to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. ’ Supports the Revised Curriculum’s objectives: • to develop the young person as an individual; • to develop the young person as a contributor to society; and • to develop the young person as a contributor to the economy and environment. © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Young Person’s Plea: ‘How is what I am learning at school today going to be helpful to me now or in the future? ’ Young people want to study issues that are: • relevant; • allow time for self; • use active approaches; and • encourage questioning in a safe environment. © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Society’s Challenge In today’s society young people face increasing: • • • personal dilemmas; social dilemmas; moral dilemmas; teenage pregnancies; alcohol abuse; and drug abuse. © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Society’s Challenge cont. We need to prepare our young people for adult life in a challenging society. Young people must: • meet the responsibilities of parenting with changing family patterns; • sustain independent living; • accept and respond constructively to learning as a lifelong process; © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Society’s Challenge cont. • accept and respond constructively to learning as a lifelong process; • sustain independent living; and • meet the challenges and opportunities that cultural diversity and inclusion represent. © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Employer’s Challenge Employers are concerned with young people’s knowledge and: • how they interact with others; • how they acquire and manage information; and • how they apply knowledge to solve problems and manage situations. © PMB 2007

Why Introduce PD&MU? Employer’s Challenge • Ability to manage information • Self-management • Thinking, problem-solving, decision-making skills • Ability to work as part of a team • Flexibility • Willingness to learn new skills • Communication skills • Resourcefulness • Tolerance of change © PMB 2007

Activity 1 How the Revised Curriculum Develops Young People © PMB 2007

‘The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. ’ In groups, discuss what do children need to develop as: • an individual (Group 1); • a contributor to society (Group 2); and • a contributor to the economy and environment (Group 3). © PMB 2007

Curriculum Objectives To develop the young person as an individual To develop the young person as a contributor to society To develop the young person as a contributor to the economy & environment Key Elements Personal understanding Citizenship Employability Mutual understanding Cultural understanding Economic awareness Personal health Media awareness Moral character Ethical awareness Education for sustainable development Spiritual awareness © PMB 2007

Activity 2 The Challenges and Issues Facing Young People Today © PMB 2007

Activity 3 How Our School Can Equip Our Children for the Issues and Challenges Facing Them © PMB 2007

Skills & Capabilities Knowledge & Understanding © PMB 2007 Attitudes & Dispositions

Summary Our Challenge • Make a meaningful connection with young people • Help young people improve academic performance • Help children at our school make informed choices • Deter young people from engaging in risky behaviours including the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, early sexual activity and violence © PMB 2007

Summary Our Challenge cont. • Help our pupils to develop as individuals and members of society • Provide our pupils with the adaptability, knowledge, understanding and skills to cope with life and work in the 21 st century • Help young people recognise the importance of equality, tolerance and human rights in their society • Play an active role in building a stronger, more stable society in Northern Ireland. © PMB 2007