New National Curriculum Begins Aligning England with Top Global Education Systems
The government’s independent curriculum review, introduced by Professor Becky Francis, proposes updates designed to prepare England’s education system for the future by enhancing essential skills across subjects.
Focus on Communication and Applied Knowledge
A new oracy framework will improve communication skills throughout the curriculum. Unlike the existing curriculum, implemented in 2014 and centered on historical knowledge, the refreshed curriculum emphasizes “applied knowledge,” including important life skills.
Balanced Evolution, Not Revolution
The review team aimed for an evolutionary update rather than a radical overhaul, recognizing challenges like limited budgets and teacher shortages. The changes are portrayed as a “refresh” rather than a replacement of the current curriculum.
Key Areas and Skills Highlighted
- Financial literacy
- Digital literacy and media literacy
- Climate change and sustainability education
- Oracy (speaking skills)
“The panel sought to address the rich knowledge and skills young people need to thrive in our fast-changing world.”
England currently stands apart by not formally including life skills in its curriculum, unlike countries such as Singapore and Estonia that combine rigorous academic standards with explicit skills education.
These proposed updates aim to equip students better for the demands of a rapidly evolving society.
“From the outset, the review limited itself to evolution not revolution.”
Summary: England’s national curriculum is being refreshed to incorporate future-focused skills like oracy and digital literacy, aligning the system with top global education standards without drastic changes.