Planning a text-based curriculum

Overview

This video outlines how texts can be used to structure a curriculum and support fantastic achievement for pupils. As well as touching on the related research, we see how this approach can work in the classroom to develop reading and writing. We look at key questions, such as who decides which texts should make it onto the curriculum, and how time should be allocated to ensure deep learning is prioritised over rushing to complete a rigid schedule. There’s also discussion of how to build in flexibility, so that teachers have control over their own classrooms and space is made available to follow children’s interests. Consideration is given to keeping a text-based curriculum up to date as new books become available, and course creator James Clements highlights how to work as a team in order to quality control the texts chosen for use in school.

Course Materials:

Presentation Slides - Download

.pptx file

Training Handout - Download

.pdf file

Course Creator

While working as a senior leader in an outstanding inner city primary school, James was instrumental in developing effective reading provision, and was also consulted on the 2014 National Curriculum. A former local authority lead teacher, he is now an English advisor supporting schools and LAs to improve the teaching of reading, writing and drama - and an author for Oxford Owl.

About the Course

In this set of films, education adviser James Clements explores how teachers can develop a text-based approach to the English curriculum. The films take a detailed look at selecting texts, structuring units of work and practical classroom ideas for using rich texts in the classroom.