ABSTRACT
Managing the whole school curriculum is the theme of this book, although the links with the totality of management will be evident. It is aimed at staff who have a multi-management role, usually including a range of subjects and duties, as Mel indicates:
Being head of a very small school is a fascinating and rewarding experience. You have to be a jack of all trades: a master of the computer, a financial wizard, the ultimate classroom teacher etc. etc. who is prepared for any eventuality. At times you begin to wonder if having a qualification in plumbing or woodwork might be more useful than any teaching qualification. However, you have the distinct advantage among headteachers of being able to know your school, its pupils, staff and resources inside out. Your knowledge of every area of the curriculum will be confirmed as you will have direct involvement in the formation and delivery of every curriculum policy. As an almost full-time class teacher you are directly involved with putting theory into practice, you are a consumer of your own bright management ideas and therefore a quality control critic-if the reading record sheet you so lovingly designed takes hours to fill in and makes no sense when it is completed, you will be the first to know about it! You will be able to initiate change within your own school quickly and effectively and respond to changes in national policy rapidly. Small schools are fast on their feet and can be at the cutting edge of educational development.
