Effective School Management

Figure 11.2
The frustrated organization
Figure 11.1
Curriculum force field

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EFFECTIVE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
(3) Establishment of a small curriculum advisory committee (possibly heads
of department, but this is also a good chance to develop some up-and-
coming staff). Such a committee should be clear about its duty to sound
out all members of staff systematically, to recommend ways of taking
into account the views of the other stakeholders and to report its findings
regularly for discussion by the total staff.
(4) Well structured discussion at staff meetings, based on an understanding
that the aim of the discussion is to suggest what can be done within the
constraints rather than to complain about them. (A realistic suggestion
about how to overcome an apparent constraint is always to be
encouraged.)
INVOLVING THE STAKEHOLDERS
The basic principles involved in curriculum development are no different from
those set out in the chapter on decision-taking. While the ultimate decision
rests with the school and ultimately the head, the wise head or head of
department will take every opportunity to ensure that, on such a vital issue
as curriculum, not only the staff but also the other stakeholders are actively
involved. PTA meetings, meetings with industrialists, and especially
discussions with older pupils, all present opportunities for involvement. The
governors are responsible for drawing up a general statement on the
curriculum of the school, and they must be involved in strategic decisions