Policy and Politics
New primary schools curriculum based on Rose review is abandoned
The Government will not go ahead with plans for the new primary curriculum, drawn up under Labour, following Sir Jim Rose's review.
The curriculum, was due to be introduced in schools from September 2011, but the reforms of the curriculum did not make it through the passing of the Children, Schools and Families Bill before the election, because it was opposed by the Tories (News, 15 April).
The new curriculum, was due to be introduced in schools from September 2011 but the reforms of the curriculum did not make it through the passing of the Children, Schools and Families Bill before the election, because it was opposed by the Tories (News, 15 April).
On Monday schools minister Nick Gibb said, ‘A move away from teaching traditional subjects like history and geography could have led to an unacceptable erosion of standards in our primary schools.
‘Instead, teachers need a curriculum which helps them ensure that every child has a firm grasp of the basics and a good grounding in general knowledge, free from unnecessary prescription and bureaucracy.
‘It is vital that we return our curriculum to its intended purpose – a minimum national entitlement organised around subject disciplines.’
Ministers have said that they intend to change the national curriculum to focus on the basics and give teachers more flexibility. They will shortly announce their next steps.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education said it has advised schools that the existing primary curriculum will continue to be in force in 2011/12 and primary schools should plan on that basis.
