What can we learn from AP?

Well hello there and welcome to update #070!

Some interesting insights emerged from talking with colleagues across different parts of the sector about how they think about and plan the curriculum for their pupils and students. I have always believed that we can learn from colleagues working in parts of the sector which are different from our own. There were great examples from SEND Huh, such as Gary Aubin talking about the curriculum as ‘automatic doors’: useful for all and essential for some.

Likewise with AP Huh, there are nuggets from the conversations that apply beyond alternative provision as this has been picked up by a number of reviewers for AP Huh:

For example, Patrick Cozier, headteacher at Highgate Wood School and Sixth Form Centre

As the headteacher of a mainstream secondary school, I have learned so much from this fabulous book. It would not be an exaggeration to say that my thinking has been transformed. A must read for anyone who is serious about achieving genuine inclusion!

Here’s what Haili Hughes, Senior Lecturer at the University of Sunderland and Head of Education at IRIS Connect had to say:

And Jonny Uttley, CEO, The Education Alliance Trust

There is so much brilliant practice in our schools which goes unheralded and unshared. This is why the Huh series of books on the curriculum is so important - Myatt and Tomsett have given a platform to colleagues across the school system who are doing great work that needs to be heard far and wide. AP Huh brings together voices who are working at the sharp end of things, picking up children who, for one reason or another, cannot access mainstream education. It is a book of deep hope. Our colleagues working in AP are extraordinary and their stories recounted here in these curriculum conversations are inspiring.

Finally, Mabina Ahmed, Head of Science, Prendergast Vale School:

It’s out on 24 May and you can pre-order Alternative Provision Huh here!

Until next time

Mary