Ahead of the Government's review of the curriculum and assessment, a signed statement by education experts sends a clear message to the Chair of the Review, Becky Francis that our current system is broken. It contributes to student disengagement and is not properly preparing them for their future.
We need a curriculum that is more engaging, inclusive and fit for the future. Students should have access to the full breadth of subjects. While assessment in England, across the phrases, is fundamentally wrong. It is designed for accountability, rather than teaching and learning.
The statement includes recommendations that a curriculum and assessment system fit for the future should:
- look forward, anticipating the skills, knowledge and dispositions our children need now and in the future.
- promote communication, cooperation, a participatory approach to citizenship, and a sense of confidence and self-worth.
- address and prioritise equity; where curricula and assessment regimes reinforce social disadvantage they must be changed.
- Offer all students, regardless of setting, access to a rich experience of arts education.
- Ensure that assessment methods do not prevent children and young people from demonstrating all they are capable of.
The statement follows on from discussions at the Education Renewed summit held on June 14th, 2024*. The summit was attended by more than 120 delegates, including Becky Francis.
We urge Becky Francis to take note of the recommendations. The involvement of the profession in this vital review is essential if we are to improve the educational experience of children and young people.