Relishing challenge
It’s good to know that the Curriculum and Assessment Review is proposing ‘a broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum that drives high and rising schools standards and sets all young people up for life and work’.[1]
The Review will be considering how to break down barriers to opportunity so that it meets the needs and expectations of the young people learning it.
It’s also good to know that the Review will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, including young people.
The Youth Ambassadors working with Dame Rachel De Souza on The Big Ambition[2] were clear: they want great maths and English lessons, and they want to work hard. ‘There is no shortage of ambition among young people, and they recognise the value of particular ‘core’ subjects – but they are equally keen to learn things that will set them up for adult life. They also want value placed on ‘fun’ and lots of sports and music.’
My own work on pupil voice echoes this. Our young people don’t want things to be too easy. Instead, they relish difficult, demanding work, as long as they are supported to get there.