The Live Wire



Press Release

The curriculum and the standards agenda

24 April 2011

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

“There is a genuine need for changes to be made to the National Curriculum. Any changes that are made, however, need to be in response to independent evaluation rather than on the basis of political motivation.

“High stakes accountability measures through school inspection, targets and league tables have a distorting effect on children's and young people's learning by placing a higher value on some areas of study than others.

“The NUT, ATL and NAHT believe that teacher assessment is a totally viable alternative to Key Stage 2 tests which do untold damage to the primary curriculum. Teacher assessment gives parents the up to date information they need on their child's progression and ensures that a child's education is broad and balanced.

“Michael Gove does not help the debate with his rather predictable pronouncements on adopting a curriculum which is based along traditional lines. While Latin and medieval history have their place in society, so do IT and vocational subjects- which are arguably of more use in the modern workplace.

“Dictating not only which subjects are the most important but also what should be taught in them does not address the issues of an over prescriptive curriculum. Internationally, countries with the most successful outcomes are those which trust schools to determine their own curriculum and give teachers the freedom to teach it as they see best for their pupils.

“A broad and balanced curriculum that equips children and young people with the skills for a modern society should be at the heart of the schools' agenda. The Government needs to recognise this when setting what they believe to be important for our children and young people to be learning at school.

Creativity is critical to the “knowledge economy”. Not only are subject areas like art, music and drama important in themselves. They help children develop creativity and empathy. These are critical to a well rounded education.”



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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