Current national guidance such as “Interdisciplinary Learning: ambitious learning for an increasingly complex world” (October 2023) suggests that particular attention to IDL provision in secondary schools is needed – especially during the senior phase. 

This emphasis is being driven by the role which Project Learning may take in our new national qualification system. “It’s Our Future: Report of the Independent review of Qualifications and Assessment” defines the 3 aspects of the new national Scottish Diploma of Achievement using this visual.

IDL will be a key element of the Project Learning element of this educational outcome. 

The Education Scotland paper linked to above has IDL examples of project learning which is working well in Scottish schools. These include:

• Daydream Believers: Creative Thinking Qualification
• The Wood Foundation: Excelerate Investment
• FIDA: Futures Institute at Dollar Academy – Global Challenges
• New College Lanarkshire/Grove Academy: Engineering Design Challenge – engineering focus
• The Wood Foundation: Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI)
• Skills Development Scotland (SDS): Healthcare Pathway Pilot in collaboration with NHS