During the 2021 pilot project with Oxford University, two Expert Advisory Groups were established to help guide the development of the curriculum materials.
The curriculum content is currently delivered through 3 core science lessons. The curriculum includes the following content (extension content is written in italics):
- The brain is made up of billions of interconnected neurons.
- Genetics and environment both have a role to play in brain development; epigenetics means that even the genes aren’t fixed.
- New experiences can lead to new neural circuits being formed.
- Circuits can be strengthened and weakened by individual experiences.
- The ability of the brain to change throughout a person’s life is called neuroplasticity.
- The brain is particularly plastic, and therefore sensitive to experiences, in the early years (0-5) and adolescence (11-25).
- Essential neutral pathways are developed in the uterus and throughout the early years.
- Babies are able to perceive and discriminate environmental stimuli in the uterus and throughout the early years.
- Caregivers can improve long-term health outcomes by supporting brain development in the early years through:
- Responsive, reciprocal caregiver-child interactions (Serve and Return)
- Baby talk (‘Parentese’ or child directed speech)
- Playful learning
- Developing executive function skills
- The early years are a foundation for long term physical and mental health.
- What happens in the early years is not deterministic.
- Resilience is dependent on supportive relationships and developing skills.
