The government’s curriculum and assessment review is taking to the road over the next six weeks to ensure views are heard from every part of the country.
The national roadshows will be held in each region in England, with views sought from experts, parents, teachers, leaders, students and employers.
Those attending will be able to hear from review chair Professor Becky Francis and panel members, as well as asking questions and providing feedback.
You can register to attend here. If the event is full, you can be added to a waitlist by emailing events+car-roadshow@amplitude.org.uk
Curriculum review must read
Curriculum review: what schools need to know
Call for evidence launched: key questions answered
Revealed: 12-member panel to lead Labour review
Q and A: Becky Francis on the problems her review is trying to solve
South west
Future Skills Centre, Exeter College, Exeter
Monday October 21, 1pm – 4pm
East of England
Cambourne Village College, Cambridge
Wednesday October 23, 1pm – 4pm
East Midlands
Malcolm Arnold Academy, Northampton
Thursday October 24, 1pm – 4pm
London
Westminster Kingsway College, London
Monday November 4, 4pm – 7pm
Online webinar
Tuesday November 5, 4pm
West Midlands
Ormiston George Salter Academy, West Bromwich
Monday November 11, 1pm – 4pm
South east
Folkestone Academy, Folkestone
Tuesday November 19, 1pm – 4pm
Yorkshire and Humber
Doncaster College, Doncaster
Thursday November 21, 4pm – 7pm
North east
Wyvern Academy, Darlington
Tuesday November 26, 1pm – 4pm
North west
The Oldham Academy North, Oldham
Wednesday November 27, 4pm – 7pm
Online webinar
Thursday November 28, 1pm
In my view, UK secondary schools seem to be consumed by what can only be described as a “scramble for certification,” rather than focusing on providing a genuinely high-quality education. It often feels like the primary goal is to churn out students with qualifications, regardless of whether these students have truly grasped the knowledge and skills needed for real-world success. This raises some fundamental questions: What exactly is the purpose of schools? Are they genuinely preparing students for future success, or are they, in fact, setting them up for failure by prioritizing exam results over meaningful learning? I dare say, it increasingly seems like the latter. Also, I believe one of the main reasons so much homework is assigned to secondary school students is because effective learning simply isn’t happening in the classroom. Far too much time is wasted on irrelevant matters mainly to do with student lousy behaviour and nonchalance to their studies, leaving little room for meaningful education. If both school time and teacher resources were used more efficiently and effectively during the school day, the need for excessive homework would greatly diminish. In fact, students might be more inclined to do homework on their own initiative, driven by curiosity and interest, rather than out of sheer compulsion. In the long run, this shift would be far more beneficial for students, fostering a deeper love of learning and a stronger sense of responsibility for their own education. All these must be factored in to the changes desperately needed in the UK education system.