Primary school children are set to receive education on identifying fake news, financial literacy, and the climate crisis in a significant update to the school curriculum. Additionally, they will learn about law, voting, and arts and culture as part of mandatory citizenship instruction.
In secondary schools, teenagers will undergo fewer tests as part of a plan to reduce the average time spent on GCSE exams by up to three hours. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted that these curriculum changes aim to prepare young individuals to confront present-day challenges. The curriculum overhaul, the first in over a decade, was prompted by the need for new skills in light of the rise of artificial intelligence, online dangers, and global social and environmental issues.
Recent data revealed that a significant portion of young people have encountered conspiracy theories, prompting concerns among teachers. The government has committed to updating the curriculum to address current issues such as online safety and climate education. Moreover, the English baccalaureate will be replaced to offer students a broader range of subjects to choose from.
Schools will be encouraged to provide triple science GCSEs and offer a more future-oriented curriculum, including potential new qualifications in data science and artificial intelligence. These changes align with the introduction of V-levels to replace certain vocational qualifications. The Department for Education also plans to introduce enrichment benchmarks to ensure students have access to various activities.
Despite positive reactions to modernizing the curriculum, concerns were raised about potential resource challenges and teacher shortages. The government will introduce new reading and writing assessments, but some educators are wary of increased testing. The curriculum review also proposed reducing the number of exams taken by 16-year-olds and cutting GCSE exam time.
The updated curriculum is scheduled for implementation in September 2028, with a focus on equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.
