After a long Monday (why do they seem so much longer than the other days of the week?) I attended a governors’ briefing on the new curriculum arrangements for 2008 and beyond.

As a staff governor I thought I knew most of what was going to be presented by two of the deputies – oh how wrong I was!

The aims of the new curriculum are admirable. It strives to create:

• Successful learners
• Confident individuals
• Responsible citizens

The new diplomas on the other hand – well they are a different kettle of fish, and seem to leave far more questions than answers.

I am excited and pleased with the opportunities the new curriculum offers, but if I try to get my head around the new diplomas, not to mention the ‘extended diplomas’ from 2011…my mind is a mess!

I think the biggest barrier to the effective participation of young people in learning over the past 11 years has been the old national curriculum, so I have well and truly embraced this new opportunity. However, with all these other developments, is it too much?

Only time will tell…

Finally, after some individual work with students and posing for a photographer at lunchtime – something to do with the new website or prospectus I think – we had a meeting after school on planning for next year!

We are embracing the new opportunities offered to us with Curriculum 2008 and shaking up all that has gone before.

For too long the biggest barrier to students participating and learning at schools has been the National Curriculum.

With the opportunity to now consider the Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) framework, as opposed to ploughing through curricula targets and schemes of work, all students will now benefit from a much stronger emphasis on PLTS. This is designed to increase flexibility and offer greater opportunities for personalising learning.

As with all good strategies for students with SEN, it benefits all. The PLTS framework comprises six groups of skills: independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self-managers, and effective participators. It allows us to create learning opportunities that were not possible with the old curriculum – oh yes I am very excited!

The PLTS will help me sleep well tonight for sure.