Show Notes
In this exclusive episode of Headship After Hours, I’m joined by Mary Myatt — one of the most influential voices in curriculum, leadership and school improvement.
I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure.
It begins with a short strategic assessment.
If eligible, this leads to a full review process including:
• On-site school visit • Detailed, school-specific report • Follow-up strategy session • Practical leadership tools
Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/
We explore why Key Stage 3 has been described as “the wasted years”, how curriculum coherence breaks down between primary and secondary, and what schools can do to build more ambitious, meaningful learning experiences. Mary shares insights on high challenge, low threat, simplifying classroom practice, and why education does not need more complexity — it needs clarity. We also discuss leadership, professional culture, and how schools can focus on what truly adds value to learning. This is a practical and thought-provoking conversation for school leaders, teachers and anyone interested in curriculum design. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on headship, leadership and school improvement.
Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Mary Myatt 01:15 – Mary’s Journey into Education 03:40 – Why Curriculum Became Her Focus 06:38 – The Problem with Key Stage 3 07:18 – From “Wasted Years” to “Ambitious Years” 10:00 – Primary to Secondary Transition Gaps 12:17 – Why Schools Repeat Learning 15:21 – The Reading Research Changing Classrooms 20:20 – High Challenge, Low Threat Explained 25:00 – What Makes a High-Quality Curriculum 30:46 – Building Culture in Classrooms 34:11 – What Leaders Should Prioritise 36:55 – What Schools Should Stop Doing 37:55 – Mary’s Final Leadership Advice
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