All children deserve an engaging, exciting curriculum designed to spark their curiosity, feed their imagination and develop their skills and knowledge. So how can school leaders ensure this is what they receive? We know that the balance of knowledge, skills and understanding in any curriculum is vital to its success; however, depth of learning and excellence within a curriculum is to chance or to individual teacher expertise. This book will support executive leaders and head teachers on the journey towards school improvement by helping them to design a curriculum that not only encourages children to be active participants in their own learning, but also to see the benefits of being part of a bigger, wider family of learners. Claire Banks and Mick Waters share the story of one multi-academy trust (MAT) which designed and delivered a shared educational vision, a rationale for excellence in the curriculum, and the resources and support given to help reduce teachers’ workload. With clear timelines, an honest and transparent dialogue about the challenges and benefit of working together collaboratively, and the importance of external expertise, A Curious Curriculum is an essential read for all school leaders.
Before becoming Director of Education for The Olympus Academy Trust, a cross-phase multiacademy trust in north Bristol, Claire Banks was a head teacher for nine years in an innercity primary school. Throughout her career she has been interested in social and emotional learning and school climate, which has led to her work on leadership culture. Claire now works on curriculum design and school improvement in a system leadership capacity, offering school-to-school support to school trusts. Her passion for succession planning for the profession has led to her coaching and mentoring on aspiring heads and women in leadership programmes. @Claire00S
A former head teacher, Mick Waters works closely with teachers and leaders in schools, MATs and local authorities to support the development of teaching approaches and curriculum to ensure the best learning outcomes for children. For some years he was Director of Curriculum for England, based at the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and before that held the post of Chief Education Officer for the City of Manchester. He is also invited to work at a policy level with government in different parts of the world.
