The school system moves in mysterious ways. There is this thing that happens; at least, I've seen it happen. Maybe it is a localised occurence. Or maybe it's just the way I'm seeing things. I'm not sure. So, I'll describe it - or at least a simplified version of it. I'm interested to know if … Continue reading Mysterious ways

We spend a great deal of time thinking (and writing) about school improvement, but far less about preventing decline. Perhaps we are guilty of assuming that once a certain 'standard' or 'level' is reached, we can turn our attention to other things. After all, the advice is often to focus our efforts on a limited … Continue reading The Constant Gardener

Since the curriculum became the Next Big Thing in English schools - a miraculous solution to the fundamental problems of schooling - we have seen the inevitable mutations, cynical instrumentalism, and BS proliferate. None of this is a surprise; that is, if you take the time to observe the faddish tendencies of a system which … Continue reading What we are not allowed to say about curriculum intent