National Curriculum

HC 344-I, Fourth Report of Session 2008-09 - Volume I: Report, Together with Formal Minutes

Author:: House of Commons - Children, Schools and Families Committee
Publisher:: TSO (The Stationery Office)

National Curriculum (HC 344-I)

In this report, 'National Curriculum (HC 344-I)', the Committee for Children, Schools and Families recommends major changes to the nature and management of the national curriculum. In its current form the national curriculum essentially accounts for all the available teaching time: the Committee would like to see a cap placed so that less than half that time is prescribed centrally.

A slimmed-down national curriculum designed much more from the learner's perspective, setting out the learning that they have a right to access, is recommended. Parents should be provided with a copy of the national curriculum so that they can take on a greater role in overseeing the curriculum that their child experiences.

The Committee is not convinced by the proposed Programmes of Study for the primary curriculum put forward in the interim report of the Rose Review, which seem unnecessarily complex. The Committee takes a similar view on the new secondary curriculum and is concerned at some of the Early Learning Goals specified in the Early Years Foundation Stage (there should be more emphasis at this stage on developing speaking, listening and social skills).

All schools should have the freedoms in curriculum matters enjoyed by Academies and should not be pressured to follow the non-statutory National Strategies guidance. The report also stresses the importance of empowering professional teachers rather than the current approach of prescription and direction.

The coherence and continuity in the curriculum is another concern, with a history of piecemeal creation and amendment to frameworks from 0 to 19. The Committee recommends an independent curriculum authority be established to review and then keep the curriculum refreshed.

The accompanying 'National Curriculum - Volume II: Oral and Written Evidence (HC 344-II)' (ISBN 9780215529428) is available to buy separately, please see below.

Extent	68 pages	ISBN	9780215529411
Size	A4	Price	£13.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	02 Apr 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges