We keep hearing that 'children have been left behind'. In reality what has happened is that they have covered less of a curriculum that was set for a time when we did not have a global pandemic. They have 'all' been left behind in that respect 1/10

Who sets that curriculum? Who decides what children should know and when? We do. Collectively through politicians, examination boards etc. We can just as easily change what we require children to know, understand and be able to do if we choose. 2/10

All our children have suffered from a lack of school time some more than others. All our children have either benefitted or lost out on online learning - some more than others. Surely what we have to do is NOT try to chase what's an unattainable curriculum. 3/10

Now is the time to reflect on the curriculum and accept that children this year (and last) will have experienced a lot (or a little) less in the way of curriculum coverage. So the challenge is not 'How do we force feed them stuff to catch up' but... 4/10

'How do we record the learning they have done this (and last) year and how do we adjust the NEXT levels of learning so that they can still make gains and achieve at the same high level as previous cohorts. 5/10

There's a very good phrase in education planning for learning that we should 'start from where the child is at'. To me it would make sense not to run around like headless chickens bemoaning what's been lost but plan to find out what learning HAS taken place 6/10

From this starting point we then adjust our future curriculum to perhaps do less, but ensure that as much of the lost or missing aspects are covered. But essentially the core critical knowledge/skills/understanding are there. 7/10

All I see is people going crazy over what's being lost and trying to shoehorn the non-pandemic curriculum into a totally different landscape. Let's try thinking more holistically and beyond the next few months. 8/10

Children learn at different rates & gain understanding at different points we're making a HUGE error in thinking the only time children can learn all things in the curriculum is NOW. If they don't learn about history sci, geog etc. NOW that's it. Forever. 9/10

They only have to learn them now because we say they have to. I don't underestimate the issues we have, but surely we can adjust the KS3/A level/yr1 UG curriculum to be more flexible and accommodating. Learning is a lifelong exercise not a one hit wonder. 10/10