Building on your strengths - and identifying priorities for change
Schools and centres should consider any review of their curriculum structures alongside existing self-evaluation processes to help them identify what to build on and what they need to change.
Staff need to identify and examine together the challenges and opportunities posed by their own school or centre. We have selected resources to help you identify the priorities for change in your local context.
How to identify priority areas
In this video, Alison Drever (former Education Scotland Development Officer) demonstrates how to identify your focus for change using the tools provided in 'Building the Curriculum 3'.
Download Adobe Flash Player to watch the video online.
This video and accompanying PowerPoint file draw on the concept of ‘building blocks’ which is a central part of the System Redesign model developed by Professor David Hargreaves.
PowerPoint file: Building your curriculum: What do we need to focus on? (1.2 MB)Focusing on your priorities
This video illustrates how a school can move forward once staff have identified their priorities for change.
Having decided that 'planning for the totality of the curriculum' is a priority for them, Law Primary School staff focus on what they are all already doing that they can build on and what they need to do next.
Download Adobe Flash Player to watch the video online.
Key tasks for your local context
These documents could be used within a school or centre, cluster or education authority to stimulate discussion on key issues that should be taken into account in designing curriculum structures. Participants can agree key tasks and focus areas to work on.
Word File: Building your curriculum - Curriculum planning in early years/primary schools (39 KB)Word File: Building your curriculum - Curriculum planning in secondary schools (41 KB)Word File: Building your curriculum - Curriculum planning in special schools (39 KB)
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