Top 5 Curriculum Planning Tips for Education Providers

Written by Abigail Black, Business Development Account Manager

Start with your learners

Put your learners at the heart of your curriculum planning. Consider their starting points, needs, interests and aspirations. Think about how you can support clear progression into further study, employment or apprenticeships. Review whether your current offer meets the needs of the learners you expect to recruit.

Make the most of Open Awards’ resources

Use the resources available to help you plan and deliver your qualifications effectively. Start with the Qualification Guide to understand the qualification structure, units, assessment requirements and progression. Make sure tutors and assessors are familiar with the relevant guidance and resources available. Use pre-verification checklists to review assessment decisions and evidence before submitting work for verification.

Review your current curriculum

Use the new academic year to look at what is working well and where there may be opportunities to improve. Review learner achievement and feedback. Look at demand for your existing courses. Identify any gaps in your current curriculum. Consider whether different qualification levels or sizes could better meet learner needs.

Plan progression from the beginning

Don’t wait until learners finish their course to think about what comes next. Build progression opportunities into your curriculum planning. Consider pathways between qualification levels. Make links to employment, further education and other progression opportunities clear to learners.

Talk to Open Awards early

If you’re considering changing or expanding your curriculum, start the conversation early. We can help you explore suitable qualification options. Talk to us about new areas you may want to introduce. We can support you with curriculum planning and identifying opportunities within your existing offer. Early planning gives you more time to consider approval, funding, resources and delivery requirements.