You may have heard that schools in England are getting ready for some big changes. For the first time in over ten years, the National Curriculum – the guide for what our children learn at school – is being updated. As a parent, you’re likely wondering what this means for your child. Let’s break down the key updates and what they mean for your family.
What’s changing and why?
Think of this as a modernization project for your child’s education. The world has changed a lot since 2014, and this review, which gathered opinions from over 7,000 people, aims to make sure school learning keeps up. The goal is to equip our kids with the knowledge and skills they actually need for the future.
Stronger focus on the basics
One of the biggest shifts is a renewed focus on the fundamental skills that set children up for success. From their first day in primary school, there will be more emphasis on:
- Speaking and listening skills
- Reading and writing
- Math
The curriculum will be organized more clearly, so new topics build on what your child has already learned. This logical flow should help make learning feel less like a collection of random facts and more like a story that makes sense.
What does this mean for GCSEs?
If you have older children, you’ll be interested in the changes to GCSEs. The review found that 16-year-olds in England face some of the longest exam seasons in the world. To address this, some key proposals include:
- Shorter Exams: The total time spent in exams could be reduced by about 10%. For the average student, this might mean three fewer hours of testing.
- More Balanced Learning: Some subjects, like history and science, may have their content trimmed down. This isn’t about reducing standards; it’s about creating space in the timetable for other important subjects like PE, citizenship, and health education.
- Greater Subject Choice: The plan is to scrap the restrictive English Baccalaureate (EBacc) requirement. This would give your child more freedom to choose subjects they are passionate about, including arts and other creative fields.
Skills for the real world
This update isn’t just about academics. It’s also about preparing children for everyday life. You can expect to see more focus on:
- Financial skills, so your child learns how to manage money.
- Digital and media literacy, to help them navigate the online world safely and critically.
- Climate and sustainability education, to understand the world around them.
In addition, the computing curriculum is getting an upgrade to include modern topics like artificial intelligence, and citizenship will become a required subject for primary school children.
How to support your child
These changes will be introduced gradually. The new curriculum is set to be finalized by spring 2027 and will start being taught in schools from September 2028.
So, what can you do?
- Stay Curious: Ask your child what they’re learning in school. Show interest in the new topics they bring home, whether it’s coding or a debate from their citizenship class.
- Talk to Teachers: Parent-teacher meetings will be a great opportunity to understand how the new curriculum is being implemented in your child’s classroom. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Encourage Passions: With more flexibility in subject choices, help your child explore their interests. Whether it’s art, science, or sports, your encouragement can make a huge difference.
These changes are designed to provide a more balanced, relevant, and engaging education. By staying informed and involved, you can help your child make the most of this exciting new chapter in their learning journey.
