How to Design a School-Based Curriculum: Case of Bridge Rhyme

School-based curriculum refers to a diverse, selectable curriculum developed using the resources of local communities and schools through the scientific assessment of the needs of their students while ensuring the underlying quality of the national and local programs (Zhong, Cui, & Zhang, 2001). It coexists with the national and local curricula and is an indispensable part of the school curriculum system by providing the functions of adjustment, supplementation, and expansion (Wu, 2013). This chapter focuses on the design of a specific school-based curriculum. Taking the school-based course “Bridge Rhyme” from Maiyuqiao Primary School in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as an example, we will examine the professional aspects of the course (the course syllabus and an overview of the implementation). Together, the four elements which are the course objectives, content, implementation and assessment answer the following questions: How do I want the students to turn out? What are the necessary materials and activities? How can I reach the goals? How do I know what they already know? In pondering these questions, we will learn how to design, implement, and assess a school-based curriculum, and also what distinguishes an excellent one from a mediocre one.