11-19 Curriculum Group

From the start of their collaboration in 1999, Peak 11 schools have had a Curriculum Sub Group. It began as a steering group for funded curriculum projects but has evolved into a crucial planning and peer support group. It consists of Deputy Heads from all 11 schools, chaired by one of the Peak 11 Heads and serviced by the consultant who supports Peak 11. Originally the group dealt with curriculum matters for 14-19 year olds; it now has a remit for 11-19.

The Group’s role is to ensure a collaborative and cohesive approach to the curriculum across the 11 schools on both strategic and significant operational issues. These range from developing the vocational curriculum at KS4, planning a Peak 11 INSET day and a Peak 11Schools Council conference, to sharing schools’ current and planned KS3 curricula. The group also has a vital role in monitoring and reviewing the curriculum e.g. sharing estimated pupil numbers for the vocational curriculum at KS4, sharing annual evaluations of pupils’ experience of vocational options on and of site, looking at trends in progression routes after Year 11 and so on.

The group plays an important part in the success of the Peak 11 Federation. Full attendance at the half termly meetings is normal and discussions are lively and wide ranging. Both good practice and problems are shared in an atmosphere of trust. Agendas are circulated in advance and notes taken. Recently the agendas have been split into strategic and business sections and the local authority 14-19 Manager attends for part of the meeting to share in the discussions on strategic matters, such as the development of new vocational centres at three Peak 11 schools, the local area prospectus and specialised diploma developments.