The government has announced a sweeping review of the national curriculum and assessment system aimed at enhancing educational standards and providing every student with the best possible start in life. This initiative, called the Curriculum and Assessment Review, will be led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, a renowned expert in education policy.
Key Details of the Review
The Curriculum and Assessment Review will cover education from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. The goal is to develop a broader, more relevant curriculum that not only raises school standards but also prepares students for both life and work.
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Focus Areas:
- Curriculum Challenges: The review will address issues affecting student attainment and identify barriers that hinder children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs (SEND).
- National Curriculum: Following the review, all state schools, including academies, will be legally required to follow the national curriculum up to age 16. This move aims to provide parents with clarity and consistency regarding their children’s education.
Recent Developments
This review comes as part of the government’s broader educational reform efforts, which were highlighted in the recent King’s Speech. A new children’s wellbeing bill will be introduced next year to support these reforms.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson
“This review is a crucial step in breaking down barriers and improving life chances for our young people. Our current curriculum and assessment system need updating to better prepare students for their future careers and lives. With input from education experts and frontline staff, we aim to create a curriculum that fosters high standards and equips students with essential skills.”
Objectives of the Review
- Enhanced Curriculum: Develop a curriculum that provides strong foundations in key areas like reading, writing, and math, while also incorporating skills valued by employers such as creativity and digital literacy.
- Inclusivity: Ensure the curriculum reflects the diverse backgrounds of students and prepares them to address global challenges.
- Improved Qualifications: Review the availability and quality of qualifications for students aged 16-19 to ensure they are well-prepared for future opportunities.
- Assessment System: Evaluate and improve the current assessment methods while maintaining the importance of exams.
Next Steps
The review will gather input from various stakeholders, including experts, parents, teachers, and education leaders. A call for evidence will be launched in September, and the review will also conduct a national roadshow to collect feedback from those directly involved in education.
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Professor Becky Francis emphasized the importance of making evidence-based recommendations and considering the impact on staff workload. She is supported by a team of experts from across the education sector, and the review’s recommendations are expected to be published in 2025.
Conclusion
The Curriculum and Assessment Review marks a significant step towards modernizing education and ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. By addressing key challenges and incorporating diverse perspectives, the government aims to create a curriculum that meets the needs of today’s learners and prepares them for future success.
