A little goes a long way
Hello Curriculum Thinkers,
Hope Week 2 of exams went well. All our fingers and toes have been crossed for you. 🤞
Stories from across the community of proud, smiling students bounding out of exam halls have been one of the highlights of the year.
But this week’s bulletin isn’t about bounding out. More about helping out.
The Curriculum Thinkers Community is here to help you learn from each other.
What better way to learn than by asking questions?
📍🤔 Community bulletin board - 15 questions you’re asking.
Curriculum leadership is a tough job. A bit of support and inspiration goes a long way.
Help your fellow members out with the things they’re working on 👇
🏸 Sport and PE
“Hi everyone, we run the BTEC First level 1/2 Sport course and was wondering if there is anyone else on here that we can connect with.”
(Rachel Palfrey, Director of Learning: Sport and Vocational)
“We would like to find other schools who are preparing to teach the new BTEC Tech award in Sport from September 2022 in order to find resources, planning documents and share ideas.”
(Paul Reed, Head of PE)
💵 💻 Business and IT
“We would like to find some excellence in quality assurance of BTEC National Diplomas in Business and IT. We would love to have a conversation, or to share documents on how we achieve best practice. Happy to share what've been working on too.”
(Alex Pett, Headteacher).
“Hi everyone! I'm looking for any schools that run the L2 Cambridge Nationals in IT (Year 11), either now or in the past, who may be able to support with some coursework questions. Happy to give further information if needed. Thanks very much.”
(Kate McCabe, Assistant Headteacher)
🌎 Geography
“I am looking for guidance on developing key stage 3 geography curriculum plans please. Any support is most welcome!”
(Linda Emmet, Associate Principal)
🇷🇺 “We are working on building in lessons on Russia into our Geography KS3 curriculum. Does anyone have any links to good, fact-checked resources on Russia?”
(Vicky Hinde-Taylor, Head of Geography)
🎶 🎭 Music and Drama
“Is there any school that has been through a deep dive in music? Do music kS3 have workbooks, folders for theory based work?”
(Carleen Mason, School Improvement Lead)
“I am looking for someone who knows Eduqas music GCSE and Drama GCSE edexcel to support with guidance as well as cross marking. Thank you.”
(Kerry Stallon, Head of Performing Arts).
🎨 Art
“Looking to find other Art departments teaching BTEC level 2 Award in Art and Design and level 3 Extended certificate in Art and design.”
Katy Ford, Head of Art and Design
📚 Literacy
“Hi everyone, I am currently planning a Y7 Literacy Curriculum using Fresh Start for next academic year. Does anyone have any experience in using this for whole classes rather than just small intervention groups?Any feedback on best practice/challenges with Fresh Start delivery, please let me know!”
(Faith Ford, English Cohesion Lead)
⚙️ D&T
“Hi, I'm looking to connect with and share ideas for DT KS3 curriculums and level 3 Food courses. VCTC would be of particular interest.”
(Sam McKean Head of DT)
🇪🇸MFL
“Hi! I'm looking to connect with other teachers who have already/are looking to implement EPI in their KS3 and KS4 curriculum. Would love to share resources and ideas.”
(Florence Cotton, Head of Languages)
🧬Science
“Looking to develop the assessment strategy for our KS3 science curriculum.”
Sam Gibson, Science Teacher
🧮 Timetabling
“How do people use and allocate leadership in different roles? How much teaching and remission time do your faculty and subject leaders get?”
Mike Hoad, Vice Principal.
Read replies here. (Question at the end of the masterclass recording)
🗣 EAL
“We have really high levels of in year admissions, many of whom are EAL and extremely vulnerable. How do you manage and support students like these in your context. And make sure they can access full curriculum?”
(Oli Knight, Principal)
Read replies here. (Question at the end of the masterclass recording)
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Sent with ❤️ (and continued good luck 🤞) from the Curriculum Thinkers Team at We Are In Beta.
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Curriculum Thinkers quick links.
🔎 National Curriculum SLT Directory of Practice
💬 National Subject Leader Directories and Groups
🎥 Master classes recordings and Curriculum Thinking Week talks
🆕 New here? Welcome! Catch up on previous editions of Curriculum This Week via the archive