In this podcast, Caroline talks to Curriculum Manager, Catherine Scutt. They take a closer look at a resource that’s gaining popularity in primary schools: the knowledge organiser. Caroline and Catherine explain what to consider when writing knowledge organisers and share tips on how to use them best in the primary classroom. They also describe how… Read more
In this special classroom edition podcast, Caroline talks to Professor Al about the events of 5th November, including the history of the failed Gunpowder Plot, the traditions of Bonfire Night and the story of the fated conspirator Guy Fawkes. Use this podcast as a stimulus for class discussions and as a starting point for further… Read more
Curriculum Lead and experienced primary teacher, Adam Newman, reflects on the current issue of teacher workload and offers practical tips for busy teachers. He describes how the Cornerstones Curriculum has helped reduce workload at his school, Farmillo Primary in Nottinghamshire. The workload issue I have to admit; I feel nervous about the recent agenda around… Read more
In this podcast, Caroline talks to Adam Newman, Year 6 teacher and Curriculum Lead at Farmillo Primary in Nottinghamshire. Adam gives his take on the teacher workload issue and describes how the Cornerstones Curriculum has impacted on workload at his school. Links The Cornerstones Curriculum The Curriculum magazine Cornerstones in action: How to make teacher… Read more
In recent blogs, we’ve explored the importance of curriculum principles and articulating the curriculum design process. In this edition, Melanie Moore, author of the Cornerstones Curriculum, explains the importance of designing a well-connected and robust curriculum framework. ‘Invisible threads are the strongest ties.’ Friedrich Nietzsche There’s not one person who sets out to write a… Read more
In this podcast, Caroline and Mel explore the importance of designing a well-connected and robust curriculum framework. They also highlight the different ways that connections are built into the Cornerstones Curriculum, helping children deepen their knowledge and skills. Links The Cornerstones Curriculum The Curriculum magazine A summary of Amanda Spielman’s (HCMI Ofsted) latest curriculum update… Read more
Well, I can’t believe October is here already. The month of crispy leaves, hot chocolate and pumpkins. Where did the time go? Here at Cornerstones, we are fully into the swing of things, in fact, I’ve already spotted some Christmas resources in creation on our designers’ desks – sorry to mention the C word already!… Read more
The Curriculum magazine is free to all schools and is now available for you to read online. Edition three is all about saving time and reducing teacher workload, with a huge number of free resources including Fallen Fields – a fully resourced, First World War project, assembly plans, monoprinting instructions and six brilliant PSHE activities… Read more
As Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, releases a new blog reflecting on their recent countrywide curriculum research, we highlight the next steps for schools and take a look at what inspectors will be looking for in terms of curriculum. You can read Spielman’s full blog here, but here’s my summary of the main points. Ofsted’s… Read more
