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A Vision for Education
Angela Smith announces Key Developments
The revised curriculum is one of the key parts of the Minister’s educational reform programme (or e2s - Entitled to Succeed). You can download the most recent e2s newsletter from the Department of Education’s website.
The Legislation
In December Angela Smith MP, Minister for Education, launched the consultation on the revised curriculum and assessment legislation, highlighting some of the key changes the new arrangements will bring. The legislation sets out the framework of the curriculum, including skills and capabilities, and beyond that, it will set out the minimum content which must be taught within each area of learning. The compulsory elements of the revised curriculum will be much slimmer, but will still cover all the key learning areas. The consultation on the legislation runs until 7 March 2006 and all your comments are welcome. Below we have summarised some of its key points. (Minister’s statement in full)
Foundation Stage
There will be a new Key Stage covering Years 1 and 2, known as the Foundation Stage. This will provide a more appropriate curriculum for the youngest pupils and ease the change from pre-school to primary school. Formal learning will be introduced gradually, and at a pace that matches this age group’s level of development.
Transfer Test
The last cohort will sit the Transfer Test in 2008/09. From the following year there will be no academic selection, instead parents will select which post-primary schools they wish to apply to, taking account of their child’s best interests.
Pupil Profile
One source of information for parents about their child will be the annual Pupil Profile, which will replace the existing annual report completed by teachers. From Year 1 of a child’s schooling it will build up to provide a more holistic portrait of each individual child’s achievements and development than the existing annual report. The Pupil Profile will include information on pupils’ achievement and development across learning areas, skills and capabilities. It will report on each child’s progress, interests and aptitudes and will help to support and inform choices throughout their education. Schools will not be able to use it as a means of selecting pupils for admission.
The Pupil Profile is being extensively piloted and evaluated by CCEA and will be introduced for Year 5 pupils from September 2007. It will then be phased in for other year groups.
View Pupil Profile rollout timetable
Entitlement Framework
All pupils from age 14 onwards will have access to a wider range of general and applied courses. They will be able to choose the courses best suited to their needs, interests and career plans. Many of the courses will probably be available in their own school, and some will also access courses in neighbouring schools, Further Education colleges or approved training organisations.
Skills and Capabilities
Following on from concerns expressed by employers, there will be a greater emphasis throughout the revised curriculum on developing the real-world skills young people need for future employment - skills like Communication, Using Mathematics, ICT, Thinking Skills and teamwork.