Welcome to the SEEN community hub
The SEEN Programme includes curriculum materials around brain development and the role of caregivers in the first 5 years of life. There are 3 core science lessons:
Lesson 1 – describes the development of neural networks and the role of neuroplasticity (the influence of experiences on the structure of the brain).
Lesson 2 – explores the ‘caregiver’ and their role in providing experiences that promote healthy brain development.
Lesson 3 – looks at the evidence linking early experiences with long term health outcomes, and the importance of neuroplasticity throughout life, especially during adolescence.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) was the first large Multi Academy Trust to introduce the SEEN programme universally. We spoke with Sir Martyn Oliver (Chief Executive) and Nim Sheriff (Director of Science) to understand how they implemented the lessons into their Year 9 Science curriulum.
The Core Curriculum Content
The core curriculum content was devised in collaboration with Oxford University and two Expert Advisory Groups. Delivery is through Key Stage 3 science lessons and lesson plans, slide decks, video links, and activity worksheets are available for free. Differentiated materials are also available.
Provided the core curriculum content is covered, schools are welcome to tailor the materials to meet the needs of their students.
We will continue to add to, and update, the resources on this site. If you are teaching the material in your school, please check for updated materials before delivering the lessons.
The aims of the programme are:
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To gather the evidence to support the inclusion of early brain development in the national curriculum.
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To educate the next generation about brain development in the first years of life and the importance of caregiver-infant interactions.
Thinking of Introducing SEEN To Your School?
We continue to collect information about the number of schools, students and teachers that have been involved in the SEEN programme via a compulsory online activity at the end of lesson 3. This will help us to build support for all young people learning about early neurodevelopment.
If you are thinking of introducing the SEEN Programme in your school, please email us.
Do you have any questions?
If you have feedback on the lesson materials, would like support adapting them for your context, or would like us to run some staff training, please contact the SEEN team.