ON Thursday, the government stated that children and young people will leave school fully equipped to thrive in the modern world of work under reforms to breathe new life into the national curriculum unveiled today claim the government.

Here is the response from Harlow MP Chris Vince.

“As a former secondary school teacher, I welcome the recent curriculum review. It has been ten years since the last review of this kind, and we all know how much the world, and in particular technology, has changed in that time.

The government are right to focus on ensuring that a reformed national curriculum has high standards for all children, but that it also equips young people with vital skills which will help them in work and life.

I also welcome their commitment to ensuring that we have a well-rounded and inclusive curriculum. During my teaching career, I was disappointed to see the previous government cut things like sport and music in schools, so only those who could afford additional lessons could benefit from these things.

 However, we will also have a curriculum that will not shy away from recognising the importance of writing, reading and maths. Recognising this importance by embedding them across the whole curriculum, not teaching them in silos. 

Finally, we all know that computing, media, and digital skills are becoming increasingly important in our lives, and I am pleased the new curriculum recognises this.

From a personal point of view, as a former Maths teacher, I am glad the review recognises that continuing to reinforce failure by forcing endless GCSE resits for students who just cannot achieve a grade 4 isn’t helpful and that alternative Maths and literacy qualifications should be looked at.

Above all, I am keen that any curriculum changes are made with teachers and by supporting teachers, particularly ensuring they have the right resources. When the GCSE curriculum was last changed, I can testify to this not being the case; children and teachers were let down.

“This curriculum will ensure our children and young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve and thrive in a rapidly changing world”.