Curriculum Planning Steps to Success - Webinar
Not only will a good quality and effective curriculum plan provide school leaders with a robust structure and measurable strategy for delivering education, it should also be designed with the aim of inspiring pupils and ensuring that teachers feel professionally rewarded within their role.
Knowing how best to approach curriculum planning step by step, can be challenging for schools, with so many things to consider and an array of different stakeholders involved. Of course, teachers play a key role in developing and implementing the curriculum, as well as making any required changes, therefore they need to be involved in the conversation.
Curriculum Planning Steps
Here’s four top tips for those planning to implement a new curriculum or make any changes to their existing framework.
Asking the right questions
Before making any adjustments to the curriculum, all key stakeholders need to be clear on what’s already in place, what’s working well and what could be improved upon.
At the start of the process be sure to ask:
- Why are we making this change?
- What justifies the decision we are making?
- Do we have clear evidence to back this up?
- Is now the right time to be making these changes?
With this insight, school leaders and teachers can work together to develop a strong understanding of the action required to improve the curriculum, as well as any additional resources they might need to achieve this.
Shared purpose and language
Having a shared purpose and using clear language is essential throughout the curriculum planning and development process.
As every subject differs greatly, school leaders need to tailor their language accordingly to ensure that their team of valued teachers and support staff feel both listened to and understood.
Teachers should also feel confident defending their curriculum, and explaining why certain decisions have been made and why these decisions serve in the best interest of pupils.
This can be achieved with a clear mission statement.
Create a strong professional climate
Similarly, it’s important to create a strong professional climate. There’s a clear correlation between meaningful curriculum and staff retention - something that is a top priority for schools as the number leaving the profession continues to rise.
By giving subject experts the autonomy to make decisions regarding the curriculum they are responsible for delivering, they will feel more positive in their role - improving morale across the organisation.
Remember, teachers join the profession to teach.
Rolling-out changes with the support of the senior leadership team
Finally, when rolling-out changes, it’s important to ensure the senior leadership are informed on progress and support the decisions being made.
As the ones in the classroom, teachers will be the first to notice that some aspects of the curriculum are fragile and this should be raised and addressed appropriately. It’s important to constantly review what is working and what isn’t, as well as being mindful of why the changes are being made.
Watch a webinar on curriculum planning steps
To hear Kat Howard discuss the topic in more detail, you can watch a recent Access All Areas session here.
