Labour's curriculum review suggests reducing the number of GCSE exams, although Sats will remain in place. The interim report for schools in England also highlights the need for a stronger focus on digital and media literacy, sustainability, and climate science.
The review proposes eliminating Michael Gove’s English Baccalaureate and suggests a curriculum that better reflects diversity and inclusion, allowing students to see themselves in educational materials. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of practical skills such as finance, budgeting, employment, and public speaking.
This review, initiated by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson following Labour's election win, is central to the party's educational reforms. It received 7,000 responses and will present final recommendations in the autumn. While acknowledging the high academic standards of the current curriculum, the review, led by Professor Becky Francis, notes it doesn't adequately serve disadvantaged students and those with special needs.
Phillipson expressed support for the review's progress, emphasizing the need to retain effective elements while updating others. She stressed the importance of primary school assessments in improving educational standards and closing achievement gaps.
The review panel is exploring ways to reduce the number of GCSE assessments to alleviate stress on students, without compromising result reliability. Currently, students in England take 24 to 31 exams, a number much higher than in many other top-performing countries. The report also addresses concerns about the extensive content in GCSEs leading to "teaching to the test," while maintaining the breadth of subjects studied. The panel is considering alternatives to repeated failures in maths and English GCSE resits.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized the review, suggesting it could lead to less rigorous qualifications. The review questions the effectiveness of the Ebacc, introduced by Gove in 2010, for limiting student choice and access to vocational and arts subjects. It acknowledges the Ebacc's goal of broadening academic access but questions its current relevance.
Paul Whiteman, head of the National Association of Head Teachers, welcomed the review's acknowledgment of issues with the Ebacc, GCSE assessments, and resit policies. However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of plans to reduce Sats testing.