In this blog, Caroline Pudner introduces the new knowledge-rich curriculum projects from Cornerstones, explaining the rationale behind them and benefits for primary children. In her speech at the NAHT conference in May, Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, told schools that they do not need to rush to redesign or change their curriculum in light… Read more
Caroline talks to Dame Alison Peacock, CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching about how the college supports teachers and promotes the needs, public perception and status of the profession. We discuss how a positive, collegial rather than fearful culture in education can improve teacher recruitment and retention. Dame Alison cites her own experiences as a teacher, senior leader and researcher and explains the career benefits of joining the Chartered College and having Chartered Teacher Status.
Caroline talks to Mel Moore, Curriculum Director, about how to successfully thread big ideas or, as Ofsted call them, ‘larger concepts’ through a primary curriculum. We explore the role they play in the curriculum intent stage of planning and Mel shares her tips for ensuring coherence and connectivity throughout curriculum planning.
In the final episode of three special editions, Caroline talks to Katharine Birchall, Curriculum Lead and teacher at Reedness Primary School about her school’s curriculum journey using Cornerstones. Katharine shares her tips for using Cornerstones in a small school with mixed-aged classes and describes the positive impact on staff and children of adopting and adapting a curriculum to suit their unique setting.
A blog about the Cornerstones Curriculum, then and now.
Tom Sherrington wrote a great blog, Designing Curriculum: Values, quality, preferences-and sofa theory and it got me thinking that it was time to share important information about the Cornerstones Curriculum of now. You see, we’ve changed.
Developed in response to primary schools’ curriculum needs, our new online management platform, Curriculum Maestro, is launched this September. Caroline talks to two key people behind this time-saving innovation, Simon Hickton, Managing Director and Cathryn Rogers, Online Security and Development Manager at Cornerstones Education, about what Curriculum Maestro is and how it can help primary schools design, deliver and manage their curriculum.
In the second of three special editions, Caroline talks to Sarah Davies, Head of Juniors at Leicester High School for Girls about her curriculum journey using Cornerstones. Sarah explains the challenges and opportunities around curriculum design in the independent sector, and describes the positive impact on staff and children of adopting and adapting a curriculum to suit their unique setting.
My recent interview with Ofsted’s Deputy Director for Schools, Matthew Purves, revealed that school leaders and teachers believe Ofsted has the right focus for the new Education Inspection Framework (EIF) but what will inspection actually feel like, post-September? Matthew has been a leading force in the creation of the new framework and spoke with me… Read more
Now Ofsted’s new inspection framework is published, we interviewed Deputy Director of Schools, Matthew Purves, about what leaders and teachers can actually expect when they’re inspected post-September. Our conversation covers ‘deep dives’, interviews with SLT and conversations with children. Matthew also offers insight into what Ofsted have learnt from the consultation and piloting of the framework. A must-listen for anyone in school, offering practical advice and reassurance.
