Enterprise:101 - How to Include Enterprise into Learning and Teaching

HOW CAN I INCLUDE ENTERPRISE IN MY LEARNING AND TEACHING?

Enterprise can be incorporated into every curricular area, a quick glance into the Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum 3 reminds us that enterprise is at the heart of what we do.

In 2019, the refreshed narrative reiterated the importance of enterprise in learning and teaching.

Educators must bear in mind the four capacities along with their focus on literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing; but it can’t be forgotten that skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work go hand in hand here to ensure that we are ‘getting it right for every child’.

It is highlighted that making the link for learners early, between the classroom and the workplace, allows them to fully comprehend the relevance of what they are learning and what the practical applications of it are. Learners should have the chance to build upon their knowledge of workplaces, what employers expect and in turn what they should expect.

The entitlements and expectations bring together the elements that should be included to create a coherent and consistent experience for young people. These form a gateway for enterprise inclusion in the classroom with the use of:

Parents and Carers

Teachers and Practitioners

Employers

WHERE DOES ENTERPRISE FIT INTO THE CURRICULUM?

Everywhere!

The knee-jerk reaction is to say that it fits within the Business Studies department, but you would be falling into the trap of confusing enterprise with entrepreneurship in its narrowest sense.

Whilst specific business concepts can be explored through Business Studies, the enterprising skills, knowledge and attributes can and should be developed across the curriculum and beyond.

Enterprise fits within all curricular areas, which is why it lends itself so well to interdisciplinary learning. To truly embed enterprise, practitioners should be seeking opportunities to deliver the totality of the curriculum with an enterprise spine supporting the four capacities.

Including opportunities for personal achievement and considering the ethos and life of the school as a community should be incorporated in addition to interdisciplinary learning and curriculum and subject areas.