Curriculum call

EDUCATION expert Tim Oates is in an invidious position as he heads Michael Gove’s review into the National Curriculum. Irrespective of the conclusions, he will face opposition from the teaching unions who will say that they are the victims of political interference and unnecessary upheaval.

There is also a perplexing contradiction at the heart of this exercise. By instigating a review, Mr Gove has tacitly endorsed the National Curriculum, and the consistency that it offers. Yet, despite this, the Minister says one of the benefits of his academy and free school programme is the freedom that gives teachers to concentrate on the subjects and themes that they believe are important to the education of their children.

After speaking in Leeds this week, and hearing how school standards in this region lag behind the rest of the country, Mr Oates needs to focus on the importance of key skills – while giving teachers sufficient latitude to play to their own strengths as well as the needs and interests of their pupils.

If he can achieve this balance, and show that the National Curriculum is not a vehicle for the promotion of political interests, he will have performed an invaluable service.

Related topics: