Author: Linda

New Linear Curriculum: the 4 year Journey

Curriculum Review

Key Issues

Key Stages 2 to 3
Michael Gove’s Letter to Tim Oates June 2012 outlines his reforms for Primary English, Maths & Science including additional ‘stretch’ such as:
rote learning of times tables
focus on the acquisition of knowledge & language in Science including the solar system, speed and evolution
In English phonics, grammar and spelling & reading widely for pleasure
Andrew Pollard who advised Gove says the new curriculum is ‘fatally flawed.’
Key question: Transition
How should high schools respond at KS3?
What if students cannot cope with or are turned off by the new curriculum?
Curriculum reform at KS4
No early entry
EBacc
End of modularity
Number & complexity of exams to be sat in June of year 11
Additional focus on SPG
Value of vocational qualifications
‘Dumbing down’ debate
Support for vulnerables
Post 16
See separate sheet for more detail
If you want to liaise with our curriculum network in the future contact ian.short@ntlp.org.uk

At Whitley Bay High School
We are exploring possible 2 year Key Stage 3 in English & Science to be completed by middle schools as currently happens in Maths and has led to significant improvement in stretch, challenge and standards.
All students take MFL plus option of second language—should this continue?
Learning Skills course and a Critical Thinking course in year 9 embarking on 5 year strategy leading for A* at A2.
Extending our one week rigorous and fun enquiry-based cross curricular project in English, Maths & Science, currently used as transition data verifier in Year 9
GCSE Options
Senior leaders conduct a guidance meeting with every one of 350 students in Year 9 to devise genuinely personalised pathways
We do not promote the EBacc– our students choose the most appropriate combination of subjects based on aptitude, variety, pleasure.’ Broad & balanced -yes! Prescriptive -no!’
Currently modelling implications of 3 year Key Stage 4 on staffing, option choice, resources, accommodation, exam demands.
Continuing to promote Work Related Learning for all learners—gifted all rounders
Post 16
Again we have a guidance meeting with each individual student & parents if required including 100 who join from other schools
600 students give us great flexibility in the range and variety of Level 3 courses but also place great demands—eg 14 A Level Biology sets, 8 Media Studies sets.
Almost every student Post 16 studies one of English, Maths & Science and many study two. Exploring implications at students level of linear testing
We focus on highest possible grades at both KS4 & 5 rather than narrow choice of perceived ‘elite’ subjects
Heads of Department are already working closely with Leadership Team on implications of new PoS and Specifications at each Key Stage—strategic response 2012– 2016