The terms of reference for the overhaul of England's curriculum say it must reflect the 'diversities of our society'.
“One of the aims in our work will be to comb back some of the less vital elements of a high-aspiration curriculum,” she told the Great Big Small Schools Inset Day event. This will give “more flex back to individual schools to address the basic curriculum” and make the curriculum “more bespoke for the local community and local needs”, Professor Francis said.
“We are on the cusp of many sort of promises that can be an opportunity for education but that are yet relatively untested,” Professor Francis said.
As a result, the review “may not be able to confidently recommend” new technologies, she explained, beyond suggesting “further exploration”.
However, Professor Francis acknowledged that this situation will likely change in “five to 10 years’ time”.
Text taken from a Daily Mail article - the Telegraph also had similar views.
The King's Speech laid out plans for all state schools – including academies – to be legally required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16 to give every child a 'broad and rounded education'.
Prof Francis emphasised at the time that she would consider how any changes might contribute to staff workload, while the DfE stressed the review will seek 'evolution not revolution'.
The terms of reference state: 'The review will ensure that the curriculum reflects the issues and diversities of our society and that every child and young person is represented and has access to a broad range of subjects.'
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: 'Instead of spending time fiddling with our academic curriculum, which has led to English children being the best at maths and English in the Western world, the DfE needs to concentrate on getting absence rates down and kids back in the classroom.'
The King's Speech laid out plans for all state schools – including academies – to be legally required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16 to give every child a 'broad and rounded education'.
Prof Francis emphasised at the time that she would consider how any changes might contribute to staff workload, while the DfE stressed the review will seek 'evolution not revolution'.
The terms of reference state: 'The review will ensure that the curriculum reflects the issues and diversities of our society and that every child and young person is represented and has access to a broad range of subjects.'
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: 'Instead of spending time fiddling with our academic curriculum, which has led to English children being the best at maths and English in the Western world, the DfE needs to concentrate on getting absence rates down and kids back in the classroom.'
Also earlier today on the TES website, there was another sign of the direction of travel.
How will this be assessed if different schools have created bespoke curricula?
There's also a reminder of how this is being described: the plan being to:
“deliver a new national curriculum which is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative”.
In terms of the use of technology...
As a result, the review “may not be able to confidently recommend” new technologies, she explained, beyond suggesting “further exploration”.
However, Professor Francis acknowledged that this situation will likely change in “five to 10 years’ time”.
This is where the current review of the curriculum in Scotland is approaching the task with a little more strategic and long term thinking, and with a well thought out evidence-led approach....
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