Commenting on an NFER-led study on the development of skills over the course of a child’s progress through education, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“The ongoing review of curriculum and assessment must take heed of this research. The need for a curriculum which better balances the development of both knowledge and skills is obvious.
“If students in England are to become well-rounded citizens, we need them to be engaged and motivated by learning. This requires a major and modernising shift in education policy. Simply tinkering around with what we already have will not be enough to develop the skills needed in the 21st century.
“The currently bloated content must be reduced. The existing excessive accountability measures are stifling creativity in the classroom and driving out arts subjects. We need to move away from archaic hand-written exams in favour of broader assessment methods that tell parents and employers more about an individual’s learning and abilities. Teachers must be part of their development.
“Disadvantaged students continue to be greatly impacted by the narrowing of the curriculum and the lack of resources. Every young person should have the same opportunity to thrive and develop. For this, our schools need to be properly funded.
“Now is a generational opportunity for change. It is an opportunity which cannot afford to be missed, and it is change which is urgently needed.”