Education reform 2010
Please note that the existing primary curriculum will continue
to be in force in 2011/12 and schools should plan on that basis.
The government are to announce the next steps towards a new
curriculum in due course. For more information, please see the
Department for Education
website.
Key documents
The importance of teaching – the Schools White Paper
2010
(DFE, November 2010)
The Schools White Paper sets out key strategies and priorities
of the Coalition Government in reforming school education.
Read the CILT response to the White
Paper.
Education
and Inspections Act 2006
A major feature of the
Education and Inspections Act is its introduction of a new duty on
school governing bodies to promote ‘community cohesion’ and the
well-being of pupils. As of September 2008, schools are being
inspected on their work towards fulfilling this duty.
Examples of good practice in the associated guidance include
national and international school links and partnerships. Under the
2006 Act, Local Authorities also gain a new strategic role in
promoting choice, diversity, high standards and the fulfilment of
every child’s educational potential.
More information:
Guidance on the duty to promote community
cohesion
(DfES, October 2006)
Non-statutory guides for
promoting community cohesion in schools. The guidance describes
what is meant by ‘community cohesion’ and identifies the ‘global
community’ as one dimension of the school community which can be
formed by learning new languages and establishing international
links.
The guidance states that ‘all
schools can benefit from partnership arrangements’ (p. 10) and
suggests ways of maintaining international links through email,
videoconferencing and the internet.
School partnerships are also
recognised for their motivational value and potential to involve
parents and the wider community in school life.