Successful futures, successful curriculum: What can Wales learn from international curriculum reforms?

Citation

Sinnema C, Nieveen N & Priestley M (2020) Successful futures, successful curriculum: What can Wales learn from international curriculum reforms?. Curriculum Journal, 31 (2), pp. 181-201. https://doi.org/10.1002/curj.17

Abstract
The proposed Curriculum for Wales 2022 presents a bold new vision for curriculum, teaching and learning. Together with its focus on four key purposes, it affords substantially more flexibility and autonomy to teachers and schools, positions learners as central to curriculum decision making, promotes active forms of pedagogy and 21st century skills, and reduces specification of curriculum content. Like other ‘new curriculum’ examples around the world, it brings with it a complex set of interacting curricular elements, with challenges including curriculum design capability and the agency required of those working with the curriculum. In this article we discuss challenges and opportunities for this curriculum reform in light of international curriculum experience. In particular, we highlight the need for attention to the accountability, professional learning, and social network context necessary for the realization of national curriculum aspirations in Wales.

Keywords
curriculum; government policy; schools; curriculum innovation; curriculum reform

Journal
Curriculum Journal: Volume 31, Issue 2

People

Professor Mark Priestley

Professor, Education

• Article CJ Locating Welsh Curriculum Reform