Where to start? You already have.

If you are reading this then I hope you are enjoying or, at least, anticipating, your well-earned rest. 

I know from talking to colleagues that the new specifications are weighing a little on our minds so I thought I would write a blog to offer some reassurance. I know from experience that I can get overwhelmed if I don't break things down into manageable chunks and take action. So it is with this in mind that I write this.  

It has been an interesting year and my brain is fit feels fit to burst!  I've been co-writing a textbook on the new CP core and being part of the workshop development team for the reflective project and PPS. Many drafts and a variety of online, virtual and face-to-face workshops later has led me to the following conclusion. Being patient as you explore these changes is a must; this is irrespective of whether you are entirely new to the CP or very experienced. This all takes time and the good news is you really do have time to grow with the course. And you do not have to have all the answers right now. 

The most important message I have found myself saying over and over, both to myself and to colleagues everywhere, is … Do. Not. Reinvent. The. Wheel. 

Build on prior experience Have a read through of the guides and over a few days let yourself reflect on ‘what is the same?’ 

Some of the components have changed more than others but students still have the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, develop intercultural understanding and language skills, contribute to communities and capture their skill development in an independent extended project. Only all this is enhanced to give students a greater purpose and agency in their development. 

If you work out what really matters right now and what actually changes for the first time you meet your new cohort, then actually it's not much. 

Will self-management skills still be an immediate priority? Yes.
Will it still be relevant to develop self-awareness to pursue personal development goals throughout their CP? Yes. 
Will students still be faced with a lot of ‘brand new’ and need time to get to know the nature of their subjects? Yes. 

So, for example, if, in PPS, you are used to launching this with a focus on identity, self-awareness and self-management skills as a way of exploring Personal Development then keep doing that. Lead with an inquiry, invite collaboration from your students and zoom in on the skills they will be utilising. What we will look at progressively in the new framework for PPS, is how it builds on the great skill development practice you already have in place with an extra step of understanding how skills can be transversal and work in different contexts. 

Trust that the courses connect. 

Many schools focus in the first term on building a sense of self, how to work with others, and begin navigating ethics. 
There is no reason to change that focus but the good news is that the courses are designed to connect now in a way that you have opportunities to develop this in all four components explicitly. If you have existing inquiries that explore Intercultural Understanding and Effective Communication in PPS as themes already that you really enjoy, then consider how these not only connect to the skill domains of Intercultural Understanding and Interpersonal Skills in the new course, but might with a tweak and a refocus apply to the introductory unit of Language and Cultural Studies and Community Engagement. And whether you have discrete lessons for the reflective project or rely on PPS to develop the baseline skills, this is still the case with ethics moving from being a theme, to, quite rightly, a thinking skill with ethical decision-making and personal values and ethics. You already have the foundation in place. 

Build on student experience

The most important part to remember is that this is about the students and building on their experiences. This is the ultimate way to build their confidence but also reminds us that the CP is by its very nature is not about the teachers having the answers. 

Lead with small steps for connection

If you’re thinking, “This all sounds reassuring, but how do I translate it into action with my team?” here are a few small, manageable steps that can create meaningful connections and build confidence. Angie Nastowska, an experienced CP educator, suggests the following for leading your team practically

Lead with connection in mind: all four core components share international-mindedness, ethical thinking, communication skills and reflection +reflexivity and taking any one of those as an initial focus can provide great opportunities. 

In my next blog, I'll explore what this might look like practically.