Is it beautiful?

I don’t think we ask this question enough!

When we are implementing the curriculum, I believe that the materials offered to our pupils should be beautiful.

Not just aesthetically, but in the sense that they are absolutely fit for purpose. The reason for beauty being an important consideration is that I believe that our pupils deserve the best.

And this doesn’t usually mean costing a lot; it means that they have value. Value in the sense that they make them think and that they lead to deeper understanding.

William Morris made the case that we should have nothing in our homes that is not either useful or beautiful, and I think that this is a useful lens through which to consider what we offer our pupils.

Is this useful - in terms of making them think, and does it lead to mastery?

And is this beautiful, not in terms of decoration or glitter, but is it beautifully and clearly presented?

We can use these criteria to judge the quality and effectiveness of the resources we provide for our pupils.

In other words, are the resources likely to lead to pupils learning? And are they beautiful – do they draw pupils in, encourage them to ask questions, to wonder?

It’s possible to raise the bar without it being more work!

We can expose pupils to beautiful texts that help them know more, remember more and be able to do more. To support this, I’m running a Primary Curriculum Accelerator for schools subscribed to The Teachers' Collection.

If you’re ready to join 5,000 colleagues rediscovering the joy of teaching, click here to find out more.