Waypoints: Narrative Connections for Curriculum Futures

In this article, I examine the intersections between culture, education, and future through the lens of curriculum studies. Drawing upon key concepts in the field (Wearing et al., 2020), I explore the relationship between culture and curriculum and situate this relationship within the broader context of education. Schwab’s four commonplaces of curriculum and Pinar’s four phases of currere guide this narrative exploration of curriculum thinking. By revisiting six key curriculum concepts, I show how connecting multiple curriculum constructs using keyword responses can be a method for curricular insight. Arguing for curriculum theory that is accessible to a broad audience of readers, I introduce “waypoints” as a conceptual tool for navigating future directions in education. The result is an inclusive and accessible curriculum approach that has the potential to engage scholars and teachers in conversations with young people about desirable futures. The article offers valuable insights into the narrative interconnections between culture, education, and future, and provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement with curriculum studies.