NAHT welcomes the Cambridge Primary Review Interim Report, headed by Professor Robin Alexander, and acknowledges the very comprehensive and well researched inquiry which covers important and pivotal areas of the primary curriculum.
NAHT notes that there are similarities between this Review and the Rose Primary Review, which has been commissioned by the government. However, there are also significant differences, the Cambridge Review highlights the role played by the current assessment regime in compromising pupils’ entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum, and speaks of “excessive micro-management” by the government and national agencies, both areas unfortunately outside the remit of the Rose Review.
NAHT urges the Rose Review team to take due cognisance of the breadth and depth of the Cambridge Review, and to consider its recommendations. The coming months are a vital period for the future of the primary curriculum and we cannot afford to get it wrong. In NAHT’s view, it is essential that the best features of both Reviews (and there are many) are combined into a coherent, relevant, manageable and flexible curriculum suited to the needs of our 21st Century children.
Mick Brookes, General Secretary NAHT comments as follows:
“It is all very well for ministers to comment on the Review, but there is a real sense of urgency about effecting change at the earliest opportunity. The narrowed curriculum and intense pressure of high stakes testing is happening in schools now. We cannot let another cohort of children leave our primary schools having been subject to the SATs factory farm.”
Follow the link below to listen to Ian Foster (of NAHT's Education Management department) discuss upcoming education reviews - including the Alexander Review - at the recent NAHT/NUT joint conference.
