Planning for the new Curriculum for Wales (CfW) may feel like a daunting task. What if there was a way to make it more manageable,

more systematic, and more successful. Enter Mike Glavin. Professional, committed educationalist Mike has extensive experience of school improvement within a wide range of contexts, including local authority, consortium and a range of schools.

Mike transformed the three schools he led as a headteacher, ensuring that the focus remained on the learners and what they needed. He went on to be a transformational leader as a senior officer in a local authority and as the Assistant Director and then Managing Director of the largest educational consortium in Wales.

In addition, Mike has significant experience of preparing candidates for Headship, and in supporting and challenging schools as a system leader and primary adviser. Mike is now Managing Director of his own company, Mike Glavin Catalyst Limited. Though he claims to be partially retired, he seems as busy as ever in supporting others to make a positive difference for learners.

In his “spare time”, Mike has created the Rainbow Curriculum Tool, a practical, no nonsense, systematic approach to moving schools from where they are now to where they want to be in realising the Curriculum for Wales.

Mike said: “In terms of the realisation of a new curriculum for Wales, I frequently see a chasm between what some believe to be happening in Welsh schools and the reality in some of the classrooms I visit. The ‘why’ we need to change and the inspiration to do so has been done to death. Most are engaged and up for it. The ‘how’ has been less forthcoming.

“There’s no doubt that it’s a huge task and will demand a great deal of time, professional soul searching and the need to overcome entrenched behaviours, along with high quality professional development. It is however exciting to be liberated from a one size fits all, prescribed curriculum handed down from those on high to fit an imaginary model pupil.

“If all schools are to take full advantage of the precious opportunity, some need support with the ‘how’. In the absence of any credible alternatives, I created The Rainbow Curriculum Tool.”

The tool takes inspiration from the rainbow and it’s blending bands of colour to help schools efficiently and effectively plan their curriculum.

He added: “The Rainbow Curriculum Tool allows schools to set out what it expects children within a specific band colour to learn and experience. Progression is built in. For example, ‘if a child working in the yellow band can do this in mathematical development, then a child working in the green band should be able to do that.’

“Using this simple concept, The Rainbow Curriculum Tool provides a structure to curriculum development, it builds in well-considered progression of knowledge, skills and understanding, from the very start making it clear to teachers what they are to plan for their learners to learn and experience.”

The tool supports schools and their teachers and keeps all curriculum development in one place. It is not a scheme of work, but helps staff focus on what is already in place and what needs to be done next. It starts with what teachers know now and helps them move forward and ensures that teachers are left to use their professionalism to know how best to meet the needs and interests of the learners in front of them.

Made up of a number of ‘Lenses’, it allows staff to focus on one aspect at a time. The ‘Lenses’ comprise of:

• Concept Lens
• Vocabulary Lens
• Experience Lens
• Inquiry Lens
• Thinking Skills Lens

Mike said: “All this is designed to help. Curriculum For Wales was intended to empower teachers. Empowered and knowing their learners’ contexts, abilities needs and interests, the teachers are best placed to design the curriculum with their learners.

“All too often I come across teachers that are far from empowered. They are actually fearful. Fearful of ‘getting it wrong’. They fear being attacked by the CfW police, who scorn unhelpfully from the side lines.

“The Rainbow Curriculum Tool is designed to provide a structure that helps schools build the curriculum they want for their children. It brings everything into one place, facilitating the communication of the school’s curriculum strategy. It provides confidence to teachers, who knowing what concepts, vocabulary, experiences, inquiry, thinking tools they need to explore with their learners, are empowered to co-construct exciting, engaging, authentic learning experiences with and for the pupils they teach.”

For more information on the Rainbow Catalyst Tool, visit: https://glavincatalyst.co.uk/%20resources-available/#rainbow

You can also join us for launch of the tool on 28th November at 4.30. Book now: https://www.portaltraining.co.uk/ticket-registration-for-mike-glavin-catalyst-rainbow-curriculum-tool-launch-event