Making links between learning in early childhood education and school using the 'key competencies' framework

Abstract

When children start school it is not just a transition to a new physical context, but also an entry point to a new 'culture' where aspects of teaching, learning and assessment are different, and hence what it means to be a learner is constructed differently. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in making links between school learning and prior to school learning, but considerabel debate about how  this can be achieved, given the systemic differences between the two sectors. This paper explores som of the issues for teachers and considers the potential of the current curriculum developments to enhance these links.