ABSTRACT

Curriculum decisions are sometimes made as a result of necessity, perhaps due to poor funding or a lack of staff in the right subject areas, rather than as a response to the needs of pupils. Middle leaders are generally committed to their subjects or areas of responsibility, and, quite rightly, they are keen to fight their own corners. Indeed, this is an important aspect of the role. However, middle leaders do need to think about whole school priorities and to take care not to regard their departments or subject areas as walled citadels under siege by senior leaders. Consultation is always the key. If middle leaders understand the rationale underpinning changes to the curriculum, they are much more likely to make them work. A middle leader may be enraged by a proposed curriculum change, charge into the head's office all guns blazing, and be completely ignored as a result.