An activity to facilitate collaboration, professional dialogue and a better curriculum
A recognised key factor in a successful curriculum has always been shared ownership and responsibility amongst the teaching team.
Similarly, the concept of co-creation and partnership between teachers and students is widely accepted and particularly powerful in art and design, where there is greater flexibility in making changes in the lesson, project and curriculum planning. Particularly where this might address new or changed learning priorities, or to take advantage of exhibitions and high profile creative opportunities.
The value of engaging all members of the teaching team in collaborative planning and ‘ownership’ of the curriculum is more essential in art and design, precisely because of the speed of curriculum change and modification of curriculum content in response to these opportunities. Staff ‘buy-in’ is essential – if they don’t own it, they may not understand why particular knowledge, content, skills or behaviours are promoted and identified for development.
Ofsted inspectors have identified that members of the teaching team prefer to teach projects they have written or co-developed, in preference to teaching someone else’s planning. Ownership builds interest, commitment and depth of understanding, alongside the recognition that their contributions are valued. Owning curriculum content ensures responsibility and willingness to adapt and evolve in response to review and changing or specific learning needs.