Curriculum: What is it and what should it do?

Defining purpose

March 19, 2024

Curriculum: What is it and what should it do?

Hello and a warm welcome to The GEN Report - a weekly source of inspiration and insight for the global education community.

This week, we continue our series exploring Curriculum by asking the big question: What is a curriculum and what should it do?

In this edition, we present insights from influential figures in the field of education, including Professor Mark Priestley, Sam Gorse and the inimitable Mary Myatt.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on your educational journey, our carefully chosen resources aim to enhance your understanding and application of curriculum.

Curriculum: What is it and what should it do?

📖 Read

A whole school Trivium curriculum for Turton School: An entitlement to knowledge and learning for everyone

This article discusses the Turton school’s multi-year journey to develop a coherent, knowledge-rich curriculum. It reflects on the challenges of moving from philosophical ideals to pragmatic implementation, and the necessity of school leaders taking an active role in thoughtfully designing an integrated curriculum across subjects. The article culminates in sharing an overview of the school's "Trivium Curriculum" which maps out the substantive knowledge, key ideas, historical figures, and interdisciplinary connections that all students are entitled to learn during their education.

leadinglearningtogether.wordpress.com/2019/06/28/a-whole-school-trivium-curriculum-for-turton-school-an-entitlement-to-knowledge-and-learning-for-everyone

📺 Watch

In this excellent webinar, education advisor and writer Mary Myatt offers her thoughts on the curriculum across both the primary and secondary sectors. She discusses the importance of ambition, of work that is high challenge and low threat, and of helping students to make connections.

💻 ALTA Webinar: 29th April

Get one of a limited number of half-price tickets for GEN subscribers.
Use promo code LEADER50.

Choosing the right mathematics curriculum: A three-point guide

Join us to learn how to choose the best mathematics curriculum for your students in just 3 easy steps!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/865476021077?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎧 Listen

How to build a school curriculum with professor Mark Priestly

Listen to this episode from Tes Podagogy on Spotify. Curriculum design should be at the forefront of what schools do, but are they equipped to do it and does the system let them do it? Professor Mark Priestly talks you through how to build a curriculum and what may stand in your way.

open.spotify.com/episode/7oUfIn8T5kzCCKNFkYm1gt?si=4784458d04624511

We hope you enjoy these resources and find them useful for your personal and professional growth. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future topics. Please reply to this email or join the conversation on our social media channels.

Thank you for being part of The ALTA community.

The ALTA Education Team