Review for Curriculum Simplexity: A Practical Guide for Developing Your Primary Curriculum by Melanie Moore
As a former headteacher, I am always on the lookout for resources that can simplify the often overwhelming task of curriculum development, while still encouraging innovation and critical thinking. Melanie Moore’s Curriculum Simplexity is one such gem that I highly recommend to my fellow school leaders and curriculum leads.
From the outset, Melanie’s book acknowledges the complex realities of curriculum planning but offers a refreshing approach based on "simplexity"—a blend of simplicity and complexity. This concept is pivotal for busy headteachers and senior leaders who must juggle various priorities, making this guide highly practical for the real world of school leadership.
Key Strengths of the Book:
- Clear, Phased Approach - The four-phase structure (Knowledge-building, Goal-setting, Design, Implementation & Evaluation) provides a clear roadmap. Each phase is explained in accessible language, and Melanie offers useful templates, checklists, and reflective tasks to help schools at any stage of their curriculum journey.
- Focus on Leadership and Collaboration - One of the standout features is its focus on leadership, recognising that curriculum development is not just about content, but about leading teams through complex change. The emphasis on professional dialogue and shared understanding makes it an invaluable tool for senior leadership teams.
- Inclusive of Key Concepts - Melanie covers vital aspects such as cultural capital, pedagogy, and localisation, ensuring that the curriculum is not only academically robust but also relevant to the community it serves. The section on hidden curriculum and its influence on children’s broader development was particularly eye-opening.
- Customisable for Your School - The book is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible guide. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your entire curriculum or refine existing practices, the practical advice in Curriculum Simplexity is adaptable to different school contexts.
Why Headteachers Should Consider This Book:
As leaders, we are constantly balancing the pressures of external accountability with our school’s unique needs. Melanie’s experience shines through as she walks you through building a curriculum that meets national requirements while allowing space for local needs and school strengths. The inclusion of reflective questions and real-life examples makes it easier for leadership teams to engage in meaningful conversations around curriculum planning.
What I particularly value is Melanie’s recognition that the curriculum is never "finished". She understands that curriculum development is an ongoing, cyclical process—something that can often be overlooked in the rush to meet deadlines or tick off compliance boxes.
If you are looking for a book that combines practicality with educational theory, Curriculum Simplexity is an essential addition to your leadership toolkit. It provides a well-structured, thoughtful approach to curriculum planning, without overwhelming you or your team. This book is not just about simplifying the complex, but about making curriculum development an engaging and dynamic process that empowers both teachers and students.
I highly recommend Curriculum Simplexity to any headteacher or senior leader looking to develop a more coherent, impactful, and locally relevant school curriculum.