Influencing curriculum change: North East schools lead the way
This year’s Schools North East Annual Curriculum Conference was more than just an opportunity to gather educators; it was a strategic platform to shape the future of education policy.
With over 300 senior leaders and curriculum heads from North East schools in attendance, alongside national education influencers including Vanessa Ogden, a member of the government’s Curriculum Review body, the conference served as a crucial opportunity to advocate for a curriculum that truly meets the needs of North East schools and their communities.
Lobbying for a curriculum that works for the North East
Schools North East has long been a powerful voice in advocating for educational equity and excellence in our region. As the government reviews the national curriculum, it is vital for us to ensure that the unique challenges and strengths of North East schools are not just heard but actively influence the decisions being made.
Bringing Vanessa Ogden to the conference strategically positioned North East educators at the heart of this national conversation, allowing them to showcase the skills, expertise, and innovative curriculum practices already thriving in our schools. This was more than just a dialogue; it was an opportunity to directly influence the Curriculum Review Board’s thinking, advocating for a curriculum that supports our teachers, reflects our communities, and prepares all of our children for a successful future.
Celebrating excellence and calling for support
One clear message emerged: North East schools are already delivering exceptional education with innovative, balanced, and inclusive curricula. However, they need a national framework that recognises and builds on this success rather than constrains it.
The call for a curriculum that supports local contexts, tackles educational disadvantage, and provides flexible assessment models was strongly reinforced throughout the day.
Keynotes that reinforced Schools North East’s vision
The three conference keynote speakers delivered powerful, thought-provoking addresses that resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities faced by our region’s schools. Each speaker brought unique insights that reinforced Schools North East’s vision for a curriculum that is inclusive, equitable, and tailored to the needs of our communities.
Marc Rowland – Tackling Educational Disadvantage with Dignity and High Expectations
Marc Rowland, Disadvantaged Learners Adviser at Unity Schools Partnership, delivered a compelling keynote on addressing educational disadvantage. He emphasised the crucial role that schools play in supporting children from low-income backgrounds, stressing that high-quality teaching alone is not enough. Schools must also consider the social and emotional factors that impact learning, particularly in regions like the North East, where economic disparities are more pronounced.
He powerfully challenged the misconception that disadvantaged pupils lack ability, arguing instead that they often lack opportunities. Rowland called on educators to focus on the “internalised manifestations of poverty”, such as low self-confidence and social isolation, which significantly affect student engagement and achievement.
Rowland also urged schools to move beyond labels like “Pupil Premium” and “SEND,” advocating for a more nuanced understanding of individual student needs. He warned against deficit thinking, where assumptions about students’ abilities limit expectations and opportunities. Instead, he encouraged educators to maintain high expectations and provide consistent support to create an environment where all students feel valued and capable of success.
His message was clear: schools in the North East must continue to be champions of social equity, but they need a national curriculum framework that recognises and supports this mission. His emphasis on the importance of context in understanding disadvantage was a powerful reinforcement of Schools North East’s call for a curriculum that acknowledges regional diversity and socioeconomic inequalities.
Vanessa Ogden – Influencing the National Curriculum and Assessment Review
Vanessa Ogden, Chief Executive Officer of Mulberry Schools Trust and a member of the government’s Curriculum Review body, provided invaluable insight into the ongoing national curriculum review. Her presence at the conference offered North East educators a unique opportunity to influence high-level decision-making directly.
Ogden’s keynote highlighted the need for “evolution, not revolution” in the curriculum review, calling for a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that prepares students for life beyond school. She acknowledged the challenges of curriculum overload and the narrowing of the curriculum due to the focus on English and mathematics, a concern echoed by many North East educators.
Her speech spotlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous academic standards while advocating for a more flexible, skills-based approach that allows for regional contextualisation. This aligns with Schools North East’s vision for a curriculum that reflects the unique social, economic, and cultural landscape of the North East.
Ogden also highlighted significant gaps in post-16 education, particularly for students not on traditional A-level pathways. She stressed the need for improved technical and vocational education to ensure equal opportunities for all learners, a crucial consideration for a region with diverse employment sectors.
Equity and inclusion were central to her address, as she called for curriculum reform that supports students with SEND, disadvantaged learners, and those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her emphasis on local context, diversity, and student voice as essential elements of curriculum design reinforced Schools North East’s advocacy for a curriculum that resonates with our communities.
David Didau – Making Students Smarter Through Gapless Instruction
David Didau, Author and Educational Consultant, challenged conventional thinking about teaching and learning, focusing on the curriculum as a tool for making students “smarter.” He began by questioning assumptions about perception and certainty, using optical illusions to illustrate how easily our perceptions can be misled. He applied this to education, arguing that intelligence is not an innate trait but the result of classroom experiences.
Didau introduced the concept of “gapless instruction,” a teaching approach that minimises misconceptions and ensures students fully grasp concepts before moving on. He argued that assessments should focus not on ranking students but on measuring the effectiveness of the curriculum itself. This resonated with North East educators’ concerns about high-stakes testing and its impact on curriculum breadth.
His focus on “success before struggle” was particularly impactful. He argued that students must first experience achievement before they can engage in more challenging learning. This approach supports Schools North East’s advocacy for a curriculum that builds confidence and resilience, particularly for disadvantaged and SEND students.
Didau also challenged educators to focus on structured practice, ensuring that skills become second nature rather than fleeting moments of understanding. His argument for high expectations and rigorous practice aligned with Schools North East’s commitment to educational excellence.
Key themes and unifying vision
Together, these keynotes reinforced Schools North East’s vision of a curriculum that is inclusive, balanced, and contextualised to the needs of North East communities. The common themes included:
- High Expectations for All: A call for ambitious teaching and learning that maintains high expectations for every student, regardless of background.
- Equity and Inclusion: An emphasis on a curriculum that supports disadvantaged learners, SEND students, and those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring no child is left behind.
- Local Context and Flexibility: Recognition of the importance of regional diversity, advocating for a curriculum framework that allows schools to contextualise content to local needs.
- Balanced Curriculum Design: A shared concern about curriculum overload and the narrowing of focus due to high-stakes testing, reinforcing the need for a well-rounded education that balances academic rigor with skills development.
A call to action: Shaping policy beyond the conference
This year’s conference was just the beginning. Schools North East will continue to lobby and influence policymakers, ensuring the voices of North East educators resonate in the corridors of Westminster. We are committed to securing a curriculum that truly reflects the needs and potential of our region’s schools and children.
Together, we shape the future
Our region has the expertise, passion, and vision to lead the way in educational excellence. By standing together, we can secure a curriculum that supports every child in the North East to achieve their full potential.
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