‘High expectations’ – Government proposals for a new primary curriculum
This week the Secretary of State, Michael Gove MP announced his proposals for a new primary curriculum with a focus on high expectations for all subjects. Details of the proposed secondary curriculum have not yet been announced yet are expected soon.
In a letter to Tim Oates – who has led the Expert Panel advising government on the curriculum – Mr Gove emphasized a focus on ‘the essential subjects of mathematics, science and English’ and on ‘intelligent accountability’ for schools. Draft programmes of study for these subjects outlined what must be achieved by specific ages and have been published for informal debate with full public consultation planned for later in the year. Level descriptions are to be replaced with a new mechanism for grading pupil attainment.
The announcement confirmed that the aims of the whole curriculum will be defined by setting ‘ambitious goals for our progress as a nation’. Mr Gove recognised the significance of maintaining breadth in the primary curriculum. Along with maths, science and English the existing statutory National Curriculum subjects – art and design, design and technology, geography, history, ICT, music and physical education – will all continue in primary schools.
Nevertheless, the statement didn’t mention the area of study of Citizenship. Parliamentary Year Book has written to Mr Gove seeking clarification about Citizenship in the primary curriculum and will raise this in a session with the Secretary of State expected in the next few weeks.
The primary National Curriculum was last updated in 2001 when a non-statutory Programme of Study for PSHE and Citizenship was introduced. Primary Citizenship contains teaching children about:
distinct kinds of responsibilities, rights and duties at home, school and in the community;
fairness, justice, right and wrong;
why we need rules and laws;
what democracy is and the basic institutions that support it;
decision making and how to resolve differences;
economic choices, the environment and sustainability;
and the consequences of anti-social behaviour, bullying and racism.
The current position of Citizenship in the primary curriculum is ambivalent. Being optional doesn’t offer a secure foundation for developing Citizenship learning in secondary education, where the area of study is presently statutory to age 16. Ofsted subject inspections demonstrate that some primary schools teach Citizenship, yet not all do.
This curriculum review offers an excellent chance to clarify the significance of Citizenship and its position in the National Curriculum for England. A goal for any new curriculum should be to promote appreciation of and sustain our democratic society. This is recognised internationally, with Citizenship and education for democracy featuring in the curricular of the highest performing countries and in every European nation. Mr Gove is right – we should have high expectations of learning in all subjects in our National Curriculum, and all contains Citizenship. For further guidance, see the relevant UK information.
