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Curriculum, assessment and qualifications

 
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NAHT is working to ensure that the curriculum supports the learning, progress and success of all pupils. NAHT supports the principle that a broad and balanced curriculum promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

NAHT is campaigning to: 

Support schools to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for their pupils

  • Challenge the government policy, including EBacc, which may narrow the curriculum
  • Enable and support schools to successfully deliver statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education
  • Lobby for improvements to government policy which supports schools to deliver inclusive education and fulfil their responsibilities under the public sector equality duty
  • Support schools to deliver effective careers education for all pupils
  • Support schools to deliver high-quality Religious Education to all pupils
  • Provide guidance, materials and information to support schools in educating pupils about environmental issues.

Ensure a valid and proportionate approach to statutory assessment in primary schools

  • Lobby the government to reconsider the introduction of the multiplication tables check
  • Lobby the government to ensure changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage and Early Learning Goals are appropriate and relevant for the early years sector
  • Influence the development and implementation of the reception baseline assessment
  • Support members to implement the new statutory assessment for pupils with SEND
  • Identify and challenge the STA over any impact on members of the contract change to deliver statutory assessment in the primary phase
  • Engage with the STA to influence changes and improvements to statutory assessment including moderation and maladministration
  • Campaign for KS2 SPAG to be made non-statutory and oppose any additional statutory testing in the primary phase
 

Ensure the KS4 and KS5 qualification framework and examination system is fit for purpose

  • Press the government, Ofqual and exam boards to ensure that reformed qualifications, both academic and vocational, meet the needs of all pupils and schools
  • Explore the issue of grade reliability, identifying solutions and improvements which are supported by members and pressing the government and Ofqual for appropriate action
  • Inform members of the latest developments in secondary assessment through engagement with Ofqual, JCQ and awarding organisations. 

Edtech programmes and events

Below are a few messages from the Department for Education's (DfE's) Edtech team. 

Demonstrator schools and colleges programme

The DfE is looking for schools and colleges to apply for the newly-launched EdTech demonstrator schools and colleges programme. This programme is aimed at schools and colleges who are using technology effectively and are keen to share their best practice with other education establishments. This may include, for example, offering support and guidance on the effective use of technology to reduce workload, create efficiencies, improve accessibility and inclusion, and ultimately support excellent teaching and learning. The deadline for applications is 22 November 2019. More information and the application form can be found here. 

Education technology innovation testbed

The DfE, in partnership with Nesta, is looking for schools and colleges to participate in the EdTech Innovation Testbed. This programme aims to help schools and colleges trial promising technology products that are suited to their needs for free, with hands-on support from evaluation experts. Applications for the Testbed are now open and will close on 25 November 2019. More information can be found here. Please email edtechinnovation@nesta.org.uk if you have any queries. 

LearnED roadshow events

The DfE, in conjunction with the British Educational Suppliers Association, is inviting school leaders to attend the LearnED roadshow. This is a series of 10 one-day conferences that provide access to peer-to-peer guidance and first-hand insights on using technology in schools. Each training event provides a platform for senior leaders, digital leads and other teaching professionals to share best practice, school-wide implementation methods and advice on the use of technology in the classroom. The full agenda plus details of how to secure a free place can be found at LearnED.org.uk

First published 23 October 2019

First published 23 October 2019
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