#nationalcurriculum #ascl #institutionofengineering #manufacturing #school #education #engineering #ukmfg Plans to change the National Curriculum have been described as “rushed”, and there are fears that they could “create chaos”. The Association of School and College Leaders say the changes “can not be implemented” by the Government time-table of 2014. It also warns that some parts are so difficult that they could create more disaffection and failure. The ASCL, which represents many secondary-school head teachers, has called for an extension to the consultation period, which is due to end on 30 April.
ASCL general secretary Brian Lightman said: “Teachers are not resistant to change, but they have well-justified concerns about the programmes of study in some of the subjects. If their views are not taken on board, there is a real danger that implementation will be rushed, poorly implemented and could result in a drop in standards.”
The Institution of Engineering and Technology criticised the ‘dumbing down’ of design and technology. The draft proposals “appear to set significantly lower expectations for pupils” by focusing on “practical and life skills at the expense of encouraging students to innovate, design, create and build”, said the group.
Meanwhile, Neil Carberry, the CBI’s director of employment and skills, said: “Employers want a much more coherent education system through secondary school and sixth form, which gives young people the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for the world of work. The new National Curriculum must reflect this by articulating a route to the age of 18 in key subjects, like maths.
“Businesses want an ambitious, highly rigorous curriculum in terms of what we aim for, but one that doesn’t over-prescribe specifics, which are better left to teachers. While many of the Government’s proposals are valuable — especially those on rigour — we don’t think the overall approach passes this test.”