Delivering the Even Bigger Picture

This is a very simple but effective diagram showing how the ongoing work of a single department, in terms of curriculum change, is part of a far bigger agenda. I would encourage senior leaders to ensure that middle managers never lose sight of what we are trying to achieve – successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who are able to operate, succeed and contribute to 21st century society.

Building up the Big Picture

The big picture is all well and good but what if you want to try and convey what it means to an audience of teachers or parents who are not familiar with it. Its not going to be instantly clear what on Earth is going on! Fear not, here is a powerpoint file that allows you to build up the ‘big picture’ (current as of June 2007) whilst talking about each component individually. Hopefully this will go some way towards clarifying what is a fairly difficult concept map at a first, second and even third glance (and after that it becomes crushingly simple!! :D)

The Big Picture (Slow Build) Powerpoint File

Another similar, perhaps more powerful resource is this video clip which has Mick Waters – the proud daddy of this fledgling new curriculum – describing what the big picture is, what it means and how it works. Well worth a look!

The Big Picture (Quick Build) Movie Link

First Post

This site has been set up as a means of collaborating, communicating ideas and sharing information about impending changes to the national curriculum. To use a popular phrase, the changes will be truly “root and branch” and require a rethink in terms of philosophy, pedagogy and the way in which teachers and pupils interact. This overhaul is taking place in front of an already evolving backdrop which will also need to be considered if the curriculum changes are to be successfully embedded. The challenges represented by Extended schools, Building Schools for the Future, the advent of diploma based learning, functional skills and the initiatives outlined in the recent Children’s Plan will all need to be mapped and an holistic approach adopted for schools to reduce the likelihood of faltering, failure or…. farce?!