I have been reflecting on our curriculum a lot recently, from a range of inter-related perspectives. Vision and values, the accountability framework, teaching (always from a teaching, learning and assessment) and funding perspective. More recently from a curriculum construction and timetable scheduling, I am currently reading Keith Johnson’s Timetabling Cookbook. Most recently, from my reflections on the Common Inspection Framework (CIF) and my attendance at the recent Ofsted “Future of Education” event.
“Leadership is front and centre” in the CIF. Whilst school leaders are setting out their vision and ambition for their schools, they are also responsible for the “design, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum, ensuring breadth and balance.” A curriculum that “inspires pupils to learn,” that “provides a broad range of interesting and demanding experiences,” and a curriculum that Ofsted recognises has the potential to contribute “to pupils’ behaviour and welfare” There is also an expectation that schools will “supplement the formal curriculum with extra-curricular opportunities,” (not enrich?). A formidable challenge. One that is not helped by late notice amendments to which GCSE’s are included in the accountability measures and those that are not.
Not forgetting that concerns about the “breadth and balance of the curriculum” is one reason exempt schools may be inspected.
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