There are clear links between curriculum and behaviour. The content and style of delivery of the curriculum can either exacerbate or reduce behavioural difficulties within the classroom. It is important that when reviewing concern over pupil behaviour that the antecedents to that behaviour are thoroughly investigated. This does not mean just looking at any incidents prior to the behaviour but also to look at the curriculum that was being followed prior to the incident or incidents.

The following questions need to be answered:

• What relevance did the task have to the learner, had the task and the context behind the task been explained?
• Was the style of delivery appropriate, did the learner understand the task, had it engaged their interest, was it sufficiently engaging to the learner's level of understanding/competencies?
• Was the task achievable by the learner? Behaviour can frequently be triggered by, or be a mask for, learning difficulties.

In a busy classroom these questions are not always easy to answer but all curriculum planning should take account of these questions. The aim should be to plan out behavioural difficulties, which have the curriculum as a causal factor.

Advice and information on curriculum planning for all subjects and key stages is available through the advisory service link to, advice on learning difficulties which may be a barrier to accessing the curriculum can be obtained from the Learning Support Advisory Team at Primary Level and the Educational Psychology Service in Secondary and Special Schools. (01952 522620)

The National Curriculum handbook for primary and secondary teachers provides detailed guidance on the implementation of the national curriculum. The secondary handbook also gives details on possible modifications to the national curriculum at KS4. There is also further guidance on disapplication available from the QCA (www.qca.org.uk) under 14-19 Education.

Further information on how schools can develop their policy on Drugs Prevention and Support and on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is also available.