Ofsted review: ‘Schools are narrowing the curriculum’
Findings in the Ofsted curriculum review report that schools are narrowing the primary curriculum by focusing too intensely on preparing for SATs.
Ofsted has highlighted the intensity of exam preparation for pupils, as well as questioning why some schools are shortening Key Stage 3, with some pupils not taking subjects such as history or a language after age 13.
The review found there was “a lack of shared understanding” of what the school curriculum actually means, and a “lack of clarity” around the language of the curriculum.
In the findings, Amada Spielman, Chief Inspector of Ofsted, said: “It is unlikely that any school has prioritised testing over the curriculum as a deliberate choice.”
In the review, problems with attracting the right staff to help schools develop the curriculum was also flagged, inferring that schools have an issue with teacher training.
Ms Spielman continued: “Primary school leaders reported that recruiting staff who could design a curriculum was becoming increasingly difficult.
“Some Head Teachers thought that too much of what trainee teachers currently learn is focused on teaching to the English and mathematics tests.”
Commenting on Ofsted’s preliminary findings from its review of the curriculum, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “ASCL has long argued that every child should experience a broad and balanced curriculum. It’s good that Ofsted now also espouses what would be taken for granted in most other countries.
“However, it’s hardly surprising that schools focus intensely on KS2 tests and GCSEs as that’s how their performance is measured, with GCSEs crucial to the life-chances of their pupils.
“If Ofsted wants them to focus less on these assessments, we would suggest it lobbies the government for a change to the accountability system rather than criticising schools.
“Everybody wants to teach a broad curriculum. It is essential that we have an accountability system which supports rather than narrows that aspiration.”
Announced in March, the Ofsted curriculum review included research visits to 40 schools in its first phase, a review of inspection reports and five regional focus groups with Head Teachers. The review also garnered responses from a questionnaire given to Ofsted’s parent panel and online information from schools’ websites.
Speaking about the first phase of the Ofsted review, Amanda Spielman said: “It has revealed the depth of the challenge and school leaders need to recognise how easy it is to focus on the performance of the school and lose sight of the pupil.
“The Ofsted inspection, however, may well have helped to tip this balance in the past.
“The substance of the curriculum is a matter for government policy. Ofsted has a role in judging how well schools reflect the government’s intentions and don’t distort the aims that have been set.
“This is complex and is why this is a long-term investigation for us. It is one that I have no doubt will shape how we inspect in future.”