Getting consistency in high quality curriculum implementation has long been the holy grail of school leadership. Even the best organised and planned curriculum can be interpreted by teachers in ways that were not intended. Effective organisational implementation is something that the EEF has also developed guidance on. Developing a high degree of consistency and expertise in clear modelling, questioning and responsive teaching can only really be achieved through curriculum leaders having the confidence and shared ambition to support and challenge practice that is not yet good enough.

The role and expectations of curriculum leaders has changed significantly over the last decade, long gone are the days of spending release time tidying the resource cupboard! There are a couple of useful sessions coming up for developing leadership both led by Lisa Gorman, How Ofsted inspects leadership and management, the role of middle leaders during an inspection for Secondary Schools on 9 March, 4 -6pm at Haverstock school, and Leading and Managing a Team at Edith Neville School on 1 March, 4-6pm. Places for both can be booked in the usual way here. Our subject networks are also taking place this month, including the Ofsted lead for Art, Adam Vincent, speaking with Primary Art subject Leaders. Dates listed below.

I am pleased to report that we are increasing Camden Learning’s capacity to work directly with schools. Following a rigorous recruitment process, including a panel interview with Headteacher representatives, we are looking forward to welcoming Andy George as our Director of Learning. This is a new post, overseeing the school improvement and development side of our work. Andy has over 30 years’ experience in Education, including 22 years as a Primary Headteacher during which time he was recognised as a National Leader of Education and undertook inspectorate work for Ofsted. We are very much looking forward to him joining our team. Andy will be formally joining us after Easter on 17 April.

We are now officially in March and have a monthly Primary Heads online catch-up next Tuesday 7 March at 1:30pm. We also have a Camden Conversation at 4pm next Wednesday, 8 March, Digital strategy and transformation since the pandemic. This is led by Sarah Horrocks, a national and international expert, who is also now beginning work with us on developing Camden’s approach to the use of digital technology to support both learning and efficiency. Hana outlines the details and link to the Conversation below. We are also asking Heads who attended the Brighton conference last week to complete an evaluation to support our planning for next year. Thank you for your support with this.

As always, many opportunities for professional learning and development. I hope that you can make time for them, and that the week has gone well. Have a great weekend when it comes for you.

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning