Taking Forward the Primary Curriculum

Book excerpt: This book has a simple intent. In September 2014, primary schools in England will be expected to adopt a new National Curriculum. There is good time to prepare, and this book shows you how. At this point of curriculum change and evolution in England’s primary schools, a number of contributors have offered their reflections on how primary schools across the country might take forward and shape their own curriculum framework for pupils. The spirit of the book is based on considerable leadership experience in schools – ‘letting-a-thousand-flowers-bloom rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all approach’. The authors’ reflections come from varying perspectives: teachers, headteachers, directors of foundations and leading thinkers on education, each of whom is involved in the work of the National Education Trust (www.nationaleducationtrust.net), an independent charitable foundation which champions best practice. Contributors include: Kate Atkins; Roy Blatchford; Tim Coulson; Kate Dethridge; Professor Deborah Eyre; Kate Frood; Dr Neil Hawkes; Richard Howard; Peter Hyman; Pamela Matty; Chris Nourse; Katy Peters; Laurence Pitt; Will Power; Jane Ratcliffe; Dave Smith; Rob Stokoe; Kathy Wood; Chris Yapp ‘The contributors are people who understand the realities of primary education yet retain that spark of imagination and creativity about what might be possible. The book will provide that most important of opportunities – to share good practice and debate with others. I’ve no doubt that minds and opinions will be changed by these contributions.' Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education and Skills