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Schools to stop teaching GCSEs early in curriculum overhaul
The overhaul aims to curb absenteeism and give Years 7 to 9 more time for broader subjects, while keeping options open for high achievers.
- On Sunday, the Department for Education announced that secondary schools must stop teaching GCSEs before Year 10, aiming to tackle student disengagement and absenteeism among pupils aged 11 to 14.
- Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated pupils are too often being "rushed towards exams," noting persistent absence nearly doubles from 13% in Year 6 to 15% by Year 9 amid an "overcrowded" curriculum.
- A survey by Public First and the International Baccalaureate found 57% of teachers believe GCSE preparation dominates Key Stage 3 learning, while Ofsted suggested this period risks becoming "wasted years."
- Reacting on Sunday, Lib Dem education spokeswoman Munira Wilson cautioned against "micromanaging" teachers, noting a new curriculum "alone won't get children back into the classroom" without adequate staff for subjects like drama and music.
- The Government plans to publish the full curriculum later this year, aiming to improve outcomes for white working-class pupils; Baroness Estelle Morris welcomed the commitment, noting how these families often disengage during Key Stage 3 years.
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Schools will stop teaching GCSEs earlier in bid to tackle absenteeism
The new national curriculum for Years 7 to 9, when pupils are aged 11 to 14, will slim down “over-crowded” content and allow space for schoolchildren to develop skills they will need for the future, says the government. It’s hoped the overhaul will keep children engaged.
·Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Teaching GCSEs early risks turning schools into ‘exam factories’, education secretary warns
Lucy Powell says proposals to end widespread practice will be included in overhaul of England’s national curriculum Pushing GCSE subjects on younger pupils risks turning England’s secondary schools into “early exam factories”,...
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Center
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
83% Center
C 83%
R 17%
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