Module code: U18726
Student Name:
Student Id:
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Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 3
Context.............................................................................................................................3
Website Analysis.............................................................................................................. 3
Conclusion....................................................................................................................... 5
References.......................................................................................................................6
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Introduction
This website analysis is aimed at critically analysing the online presence of a school
with respect to current educational practices, policies and philosophies (Alexander,
2010). In order to assess how the school’s mission, values and curriculum aligns with
modern educational ideals, such as the National Curriculum and the Early Years
Foundation Stage, this analysis shall take place. The analysis will also examine how the
school’s website conveys to parents and a wider community the school’s approach to
education. This analysis endeavours to improve understanding of what are, in fact, the
most important educational philosophies that guide modern schooling by linking these
elements to key educational theories and perspectives (Alexander, 2014).
Context
Today education system is built on a certain policies, some philosophies and a long list
of different historical developments. Two key frameworks which are in the most
influential of the contemporary schooling realms are the Early Years Foundation Stage
(EYFS) and the National Curriculum. The EYFS concentrates on early childhood
development (inclusive of the foundation of lifelong learning) through play, with the
creation of a foundation of lifelong learning. In England, meanwhile, a piece of the
National Curriculum defines a standard list of subjects and desired levels of learning for
students, so that schooling is as even as possible in each school (Bartle and Burton,
2020). However, as schools present their educational approach, these broader
educational philosophies and the driving forces for education such as preparing for the
workforce, student well being and the use of technology in education, at the same time,
shape the same. To help explore how these frameworks and ideas are communicated
through the website of a chosen educational institution, this website analysis will be
conducted (DfE, 2024).
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Website Analysis
Mission, Values, and Purpose: Selected School’s website is clear with its mission that
is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where each child is encouraged to the
full of their potential. Personalized learning, holistic development, and promoting values
of respect, responsibility, as well as resilience, are the key features in the stated
mission. These are principles which reflect a commitment to a students’ centred
approach to the learner’s needs and ability (Facer, 2011). The school changes its focus
to values like inclusion and community and promises to train students not only for the
knowledge but also to care as responsible and ethical persons.
Curriculum and practices: The school provides a wide and balanced curriculum that
aligns with the National Curriculum and other creative practices. For instance, the
school is based on a cross curricular approach integrating all subjects such as
technology, art, and science to instill critical thinking and creativity. The website
showcases various programs including STEM initiatives and outdoor learning aimed at
pulling the kids out of the conventional classroom. Such an innovative approach
encapsulates the school’s endeavour to shape future challenges by training students on
the relevant skills (Illich, 1970).
The website gives information on drama, music and sports that are an added richness
in the learning experience. Thus, the education is not only an academic type subject, it
should go beyond academic subjects to include the general development of a child.
Partnership with parents and community: The school’s website places a lot of
emphasis on its mutual relationship with the parents and the community. The sections
about parent involvement include information on parent teacher meetings, newsletter,
volunteer opportunities, etc (Moss, 2012). From the values of inclusivity and
collaboration which the school should instill on families and offer of support services like
counseling and learning source. Further, the school also publishes information on
community outreach programs through charity events, and that partnership of local
business, a quality which could project the school’s responsibility and civic engagement
in students (Kaftl, 2015). This involvement shows an integrated educational approach to
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education that covers all the field and creates interest in students to actively engage in
the outside world.
Current Educational Policies and Models: Structure of the website: The structure of
the website refers to a few major educational policies that the website is following,
including, the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The
description of the curriculum is that it aims to provide a strong base for literacy and
numeracy as well as develop the thinking, creativity and problem solving skills (Pinar,
2019). Also, the digital media and technology that is used in the classroom in the school
also corresponds to modern educational trends of their utilizing digital literacy as an
essential skill for their success. There is also mention of alternative ways of education,
such as Montessori and Steiner education, as these receive recognition of the
individualized type of learning and the different learning styles. This indication is that
they know about other educational approaches which pay attention to the full child
development rather than just academic achievement (Lawton, 1986).
Conclusion
Analysis from the website shows that the school’s educational philosophy is in line with
the current educational policies and practices especially as elucidated in the National
Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The school encourages a student
centric approach of holistic development, creative moulding, community involvement.
The curriculum includes modern educational trends with the union of traditional and
contemporary practices suitable for different students. Turning my thoughts to education
to my own education experiences, I feel that education goes well beyond academic
achievements. It is essentially about supplying students with the abilities, values and
mindset to adapt to a consistently changing environment. Through this analysis it has
been seen that school’s website speaks volumes that it is committed to offering an
education that equips students to encounter both academic success and personal
growth. Such a philosophy of the school stands in line with the views of educational
theorists such as Illich who called for education to be more flexible and learner
centered, and of Biesta stressing the role of socialization within education. Furthermore,
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the views of educational philosophers such as Illich and Biesta are also reflected to
question the purpose of schooling in today’s society. Finally, education is not only about
academic accomplishment but also the establishment of a holistic educational
environment that fosters the development of the whole child so that he can face the rest
of the world in the future, which is in a continuous change.
References
Alexander, R. (2010). Towards a New Curriculum. In Children, Their World, Their
Education. London: Routledge.
Alexander, R. (2014). Introduction to Primary Curriculum 2014: Developing an
Outstanding Curriculum in Your School. Pearson: CPRT.
Bartle, T.S., & Burton, D. (2020). Introduction to Education Studies and Key Issues.
London: Sage.
Department for Education (DfE). (2024). National Curriculum. Retrieved from
[Link]
Facer, K. (2011). Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change. London:
Routledge.
Illich, I. (1970). De-schooling Society. London: Penguin.
Kaftl, P. (2015). Geographies of Alternative Education: Diverse Learning Spaces for
Children and Young People. Policy Press.
Lawton, D. (1986). School Curriculum Planning. Hodder and Stoughton.
Moss, P. (2012). Early Childhood and Compulsory Education: The Relationship.
Abingdon: Routledge.
Pinar, W. (2019). What is Curriculum Theory? London: Routledge.
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