Why
The digital era brings with it huge opportunities. It also brings with it risks and harms, particularly to the young and vulnerable in our society.
We want to encourage a bold reimagining of the vision for our children by government and civil society, moving us away from a digital world built on profit and exploitation, to one built for human flourishing.
The curriculum is a critical part of that but cannot be looked at in isolation from the wider realities for young people.
We want to use this Review as an opportunity to encourage a moment of reflection and a shift in social conscience.
If not now, when?
If not us, who?
What
The UK Government (Department for Education) has invited people to share their ideas for potential improvements to the curriculum and assessment system in England.
As the Review lead, Professor Becky Francis, says – “The curriculum belongs to the nation” and people from all areas have been encouraged to offer their perspectives.
This is, therefore, an opportunity for us to contribute. Whilst our comments reflect a perspective beyond changes to the curriculum, we consider this broader view essential if curriculum changes are to be meaningful for our children.
Our Response to the Review is accompanied by an Open Letter and a Resources Library, all of which are published on this site.
Who
This is not a comprehensive or detailed piece of work, nor are we powerful or influential individuals. But, a great deal of comprehensive and detailed work has already been done, and continues to be done, by people and organisations working in this field. This is about them, not us. Their work needs to be paid attention to, channelled and coordinated. And, critically, it needs to feed into a country-wide vision and strategy.
We want to use this Review as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the people and work that has already been done and encourage government and policy makers to use that to build better foundations for the next generation.