Comments :
These survey results reveal the effects of changes in the balance of freedoms and responsibilities in schools . After 25 years of a National Curriculum , what difference does it make if a subject is compulsory or not ? Academies are exempt and no one has ever inspected compliance , so leaders are free to provide the curriculum their students need . The survey suggests there are doubts as to whether the curriculum can include PSHE and SRE and whether all young people can fully experience the creative arts . The pressures of testing and examinations cannot be allowed to deprive young people of these vital subjects . The National Curriculum is dying ; long live the broad and deep curriculum in every school ."
Sue Horner Chair , RSA Academies Trust
If a headteacher feels that an area of the curriculum is important then they should ensure that it is encompassed into the schools ethos . We have the flexibility to work how we want if we are brave enough .”
School leader
Kate Gilliford , senior researcher at The Key , explains :
“ Assessment and accountability reforms have brought a lot of uncertainty to the sector , and have made many school leaders question their curriculum offer .
School leaders have asked The Key many questions about the reforms , and the sense I get from them is that they are worried they will not be able to cover the content of new GCSEs without taking time from other curriculum subjects . Until the exam and accountability reforms are embedded , I think school leaders will feel like they have to make a choice between core subjects like English and maths , and what may be seen as nice ‘ extras ’ like PE and art .”
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