Evidence session
Curriculum and Assessment Review
Tuesday 17 June, 10:00, Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Watch live on Parliamentlive.tv
The Education Committee will explore the big questions that are being asked in the Government’s ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review.
MPs will hear from experts (details below) about how the curriculum could be more inclusive to disadvantaged pupils and those from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. There will also be a focus on learning about media literacy, digital skills and AI.
Launching the Review in July last year, one of the Government’s stated aims was to broaden the curriculum, “so that children and young people do not miss out on subjects such as music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects”. It also wants a curriculum that “reflects the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring all children and young people are represented”.
The Review’s interim report, published in March, was broadly positive about the “knowledge rich” curriculum, including the architecture of key stages alongside assessments and qualifications.
The second stage of the Review is where its leader, Professor Becky Francis, sees more opportunity for improvement. As well looking at inclusivity, closing attainment gaps and technological change, the second stage of the Review is also looking at improving the pathways for 16–19-year-olds who cannot access T Levels or A Levels, or who did not secure strong level 2 (GCSE) qualifications.
The cross-party Committee is also likely to ask witnesses how school staff can be supported to navigate contentious topics in an impartial way, how the content of Religious Education could be updated, how media literacy and ‘digital citizenship’ could both be delivered in the curriculum, and helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attain local job opportunities.
Witnesses from 10:00
- Sean Harris, Director of People, Learning and Community Engagement at Tees Valley Education
- Dr Shabna Begum, CEO at The Runnymede Trust
- Sara Lane Cawte, Chair at Religious Education Council for England and Wales
Witnesses from 11:00
- Professor David Lundie, Professor of Education (School of Social & Environmental Sustainability) at University of Glasgow
- Dr Gianfranco Polizzi, Assistant Professor in Digital Media and Communications, Department of Linguistics and Communication at University of Birmingham
- Andrew Ettinger, Director of Education at The National Literacy Trust
- Professor Candice Satchwell, Professor of Literacies and Education at The University of Central Lancashire
