Therapeutic education

The past three decades performance and curriculum content and delivery have been the main driving forces in education, and therapeutic approaches have not been felt to be effective methods, producing measurable results. However, at the start of the twenty-first century government guidance, such as Every Child Matters (HMSO, 2003) has suggested the need for educators to develop a more therapeutic approach to learners, to the curriculum and to school ethos. The overall aim therefore is to positively support educators in their work with learners who lack motivation, inspiration and engagement.

Discussion

Write a list of at least five words describing what you think therapeutic education is. Then write another list stating what you think the needs of the young people are who are placed in a therapeutic school. If possible, ask a few colleagues to carry out these two short tasks as well. What do you find? What aspects of teaching and learning do the lists mostly refer to? How does this link in with the educational changes of the past 30 years?