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| Schools White Paper and Curriculum Review |
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| Latest News |
| Wednesday, 24 November 2010 00:00 |
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The Schools White Paper – The Importance of Teaching - was published in late November. It probably caused no great surprise since much of what it contains was trailed in advance, and it is very much in line with the new Government’s stated educational priorities. In essence it moves the centre of gravity quite definitely towards schools, with plans for a new funding system which is entirely devolved and the end to nearly all ring fenced or earmarked funding support. This will be accompanied by a “pupil premium” which is intended to channel more money to the most deprived children. As far as the curriculum is concerned the intention is to reduce the amount of compulsion and to give greater emphasis to traditional academic subjects, accompanied by a return to more “linear” examinations. Of particular interest to language professionals will be the proposal to introduce an English Baccalaureate, an additional award for pupils who achieve 5 GCSEs in academic subjects (including a modern or classical language). There is no mention in the White Paper of languages in primary schools. Schools were asked for their initial reactions to the White Paper by December 8, but there will be no formal consultation. Rather the consultation will take place over specific aspects of the proposals, such as the Curriculum. It is thought that the new curriculum proposals will be published in December. It will then be very important for language teachers to respond. |
Update from the Languages Company
| Speak to the Future Campaign for languagesTuesday, 15 February 2011
A new campaign, called Speak to the Future, has been launched with the support of over 30 organisations. The campaign calls for urgent action on policy to safeguard and revitalise language learning... Read More... |