Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “There is no shortage of ambition among young people. Since becoming Children’s Commissioner thousands have told me they want to learn subjects and skills that set them up for success as adults, balancing vital ‘core’ subjects with those that instil joy and curiosity. The proposals of Professor Francis’ Curriculum and Assessment Review capture much of that ambition, reflecting what my own Youth Ambassadors shared with the review team as evidence.
“The review’s recommendations reflect that the nature of childhood is changing. From their emphasis on understanding money and budgeting, to recognising when something – or someone – online may not be what it seems, to a new requirement for citizenship education for younger children, they acknowledge that children growing up today make no distinction between a life online versus one offline, and are more likely to be exposed to concepts that need the support of balanced and brilliant teaching.
“My recent Census of school leaders proves they know the value of enriching or extra-curricular subjects that support children’s broader development, with most already offering activities. I look forward to working with Ministers as they develop the new core enrichment offer, to make sure it meets children’s aspirations and provides schools with the resources they need to bring it to life.”
