MPs urge twin-track curriculum for pupils

A NEW report today calls for a mixed school curriculum with both academic and vocational options available after warning that pupils who are not interested in lessons are more likely to misbehave.

An investigation into school discipline by MPs has also recommended that the Government should assess six year olds' speaking and listening ability as well their reading to ensure they are engaged in the classroom.

The Education Select Committee's report is being welcomed by Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham who claimed that it was at odds with the Government's plans to introduce a "1950s style curriculum". Committee chairman Graham Stuart, Conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: "If the curriculum doesn't stimulate children, they will switch off, and the chances are that they will disrupt other children's learning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The onus is now on the Government to draw up a National Curriculum which engages all children and meets their aspirations – then let teachers decide how to apply it."

The report also highlights evidence of "very serious shortcomings in access to children's mental health services" and calls on both the Department for Education and the Department of Health to co-operate to allow schools better access to support services.