The general public is invited to share their ideas as the UK Government launches its ‘national conversation’ about the curriculum and assessment system in England.
Professor Becky Francis CBE, who is leading the review, is inviting young people, parents and carers, teachers and lecturers, researchers and specialists, employers and anyone with an interest in the curriculum to submit their experiences of what works and doesn’t work within the system, together with suggestions for potential improvements.
The evidence requested is wide-ranging, including how to give the best foundation in English and Maths; support children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or who have special needs; provide access for all young people to a broad and balanced curriculum; ensure all students aged 16–19 have access to high-value training and qualifications to prepare them for the workplace; and whether a broader assessment system could benefit young people and staff.
Professor Becky Francis said: ‘The curriculum belongs to the nation. And especially, it must work for the young people who follow it, and the teachers and lecturers that communicate it. As such, it’s imperative that we hear perspectives and evidence from as wide a range of people as possible including children, young people, parents, education professionals and other stakeholders.
‘… We have sought to keep questions broad and wide-ranging, to enable people to have their say. There is much that is working in the present curriculum, but this is a chance to refresh, to address areas which aren’t working well, and to ensure excellence for all. I hope as many as possible will respond and I look forward to reading the responses.’
Although the DfE makes clear that this is not a consultation about specifics at this stage, the data received will be ‘invaluable’ when the panel considers its initial recommendations.
The DfE states: ‘Following the review, all state schools – including academies which currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required by law to teach the national curriculum up to age 16, giving parents certainty over their children’s education.’
Submissions may be made by completing an online survey, by email to curriculum-assessment.review@education.gov.uk, or in writing using the Word document version of the form and posting it to CAR Review Team, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT.
There will also be a series of face-to-face regional events from mid-October, to allow students and teachers to give oral evidence.
The call for evidence closes at 11.59pm on 22 November 2024.
