Curriculum and Ofsted Lead
The role of Curriculum and Ofsted Lead is central to ensuring that Initial Teacher Training curricula are current, future-facing and informed by up-to-date research. The introduction of the Core Content Framework (CCF) and the emphasis it places on ‘learn that’ knowledge and ‘learn how to’ skills has moved thinking about good teacher education forward. In this role, I support colleagues across the School of Education to take maximum advantage of the opportunities the CCF provides for curriculum design and implementation so that trainee teachers are fully prepared to make the most of their early career in teaching.
I have worked in further and higher education for over 30 years. I have taught in colleges, in the community, and in universities. I have worked for some time now in teacher education for the Post Compulsory Education and Training sector. I worked as a core member of the Sunderland University Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT) team for over 10 years. In this role, I supported teachers and trainers to develop their practice and organisations. This work showed the importance of making the most of tacit knowledge. It gave me the insight to recognise the importance of 'learn how to' to trainee classroom practice and confidence.
Of equal importance is assuring the timely progress of all trainees to become the best beginning teachers. In this work, I support colleagues across the School of Education to monitor trainees' 'in flight' progress and ensure support is timely and final outcomes for trainees are outstanding. Working with colleagues to monitor the impact of well-planned and delivered curricula allows us to review curriculum design and implement improvements where required. A curriculum based on powerful knowledge and skills is the basis of trainee progress. Ensuring every trainee has access to this curriculum and that they make the most of these opportunities is crucial to our success and standing as a School of Education.
