An Inclusive Curriculum
Advantages and Disadvantages
Aims of the Session

To outline the principles and historical perspective of
Inclusive Education.

To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
Inclusive Education.
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2
The Smarties Task
Working as a group please:



Empty the ‘Smarties’ in the bowl.
Sort the ‘Smarties’ into groups.
Think about the groups you have chosen and give
reasons why, ie, colour, shape etc..
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Discussion based on Task One
Relate your method/s of categorisation to the mixture of people in our
diverse society. Discuss the notion of Equality and Diversity.
Questions:
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‘What colour are all ‘Smarties’ under their coating?’
‘Would you eat a slightly imperfect one?’
‘If you were asked to categorise them using complementary colours,
which colours would you put together and why?’
‘Consider that the blue ‘Smarties’ may not wish to be placed in the
same category as the pink ones.’
‘What else are you assuming in your groupings?’
‘Can you think of any other categories?’
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Principles of Inclusive Education
The main principle of Inclusive education is that all children have the
right to be educated alongside their peers in a mainstream school
wherever possible.
 This will include children who have SEN or a disability which means
that they have been educated in another setting, ie, special schools.
 The SEN and Disability Act (2001) makes significant changes to the
educational opportunities which are available to children with
disabilities and those with SEN.
 This means that it will be more likely for these children to be
accepted into mainstream schools.
But there will always be some children for whom mainstream education
is not possible, ie, where highly specialised provision is needed. The
majority of children should not need to be separated from one
another in order to be educated. Please read, ‘Inclusion - A Potted
History (1944-2004)’.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of
Inclusive Education
Task Two
In groups of 3, please discuss and complete the table, (Handout 1),
highlighting the advantages of inclusive education, compared to
separation. For example:
Separation
The children may receive ‘special’ or different treatment.
Inclusion
Equal treatment, all children to receive the support they need to build
on and achieve their potential.
5/29/2016
6
Identifying SEN Children
Task 3

In groups of 4, please look at the photographs of children on slide
8.

Can you identify the children who may have a Special Educational
Need?

How can you tell?

List the criteria you used in your identification. Do you think it was
fair?
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Task Three – Can you identify the children who
may have a Special Educational Need?
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