The Importance of Teaching - summary
Download your one-page summary of the White Paper section 5 (Qualifications and Curriculum)
Choose your subject to find out more:
Classics
Citizenship and PSHE
Design and Technology
English
Geography
Health and Social Care
History
ICT
Maths
Modern Foreign Languages
PE
RE
Science
Support and choice that’s right for you
We have a wide range of secondary resources for all the subjects above. To make sure you get the most cost-effective package to suit your needs, please contact your local Educational Consultant. Keep up to date with the latest on the White Paper by signing up to your relevant subject e-update, where you’ll get the latest news, resources and special offers. You could also win £50 worth of High Street vouchers!
Find out more about Oxford’s secondary resources
Classics
Last updated: 2nd February 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary Classics?
GCSE Latin and GCSE Classical Greek will form part of the English Baccalaureate which will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A*to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in more “academic“ subjects, namely English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language (including Latin and Greek) and a humanities subject such as history or geography. Performance tables will record the numbers securing the combination of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate.
Classical Civilisation is not currently included in the English Baccalaureate.
The White Paper also indicates that there will be a clear move away from modularity at GCSE, arguing that breaking learning down in this way makes the exams too easier to pass, and makes learning too overly focused on assessment. So future GCSEs are likely to be more linear.
For more information and support
Please email fiona.lloydwilliams@oup.com for more information and visit the Classics homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
Citizenship and PSHE
CitizenshipLast updated: 25th January
From the Association for Citizenship Teaching website:
The current curriculum regarding Citizenship education will continue until August 2014.
In Key Stage 1 and 2 Citizenship education will continue as part of the non statutory Citizenship and PSHE curriculum.
In Key Stage 3 and 4 Citizenship education will continue to be a foundation subject with a requirement to report on progress to parents at the end of each year and provide a level against the 8 level scale at the end of Key Stage 3.
Post 16 Citizenship education continues to be non statutory.
Citizenship education also manifests itself in the current aims of the National Curriculum, as part of Community Cohesion and Prevent strategies and within student voice. If these aspects are amended or removed their core function will still be held as important by school leaders and communities. ACT will continue to advocate that Citizenship education is regarded as a subject and more than a subject.
No specific mention is made of Citizenship education in the White Paper The Importance of Teaching (DfE 2010).
ACT together with Democratic Life, social innovators and NGOs have been campaigning for Citizenship to keep its status in the curriculum after the review. You can join this campaign and take part in the curriculum review.
PSHELast updated: 17th January 2011
How does the White Paper affect PSHE?
The importance of PSHE has been recognized in the Education White Paper: ‘Children need high-quality sex and relationships education so they can make wise and informed choices. We will work with teachers, parents, faith groups and campaign groups such as Stonewall to make sure sex and relationships education encompasses an understanding of the ways in which humans love each other and stresses the importance of respecting individual autonomy.’
‘Children can benefit enormously from high-quality Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) education. Good PSHE supports individual young people to make safe and informed choices. It can help tackle public health issues such as substance misuse and support young people with the financial decisions they must make.'
What does this mean in practice?
'We will conduct an internal review to determine how we can support schools to improve the quality of all PSHE teaching, including giving teachers the flexibility to use their judgement about how best to deliver PSHE education.’
We’ll update this page as soon as we hear more.
For more information and support
Please email laura.syred@oup.com for more information and visit the Citizenship and PSHE homepage to see our full range of KS3 and GCSE resources.
Design and Technology
Last updated: 3rd February 2011
What does the White Paper mean for Design and Technology?
The main emphasis in the White Paper is on the main academic subjects such as maths, English, science, languages, geography, and history. But here is a summary of some of the main changes that will affect all subjects including Design and Technology:
- The National Curriculum will be reviewed for 2013 and will set out only the essential knowledge and understanding that all children should have and leave teachers to decide how to teach this most effectively.
- Students will continue their education or training to age 18 by 2015.
- Students will no longer be allowed to re-sit large numbers of GCSE units.
- Ofqual will look into making all GCSEs linear (not modular) in structure, meaning exams will typically be taken at the end of the course.
- There will be a new suite of voluntary national tests for KS3.
- There will be separate assessment of spelling, punctuation, and grammar in GCSE mark schemes across all subjects.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 will review English, maths, science and PE. Phase 2 will then focus on the remaining subjects, including D&T. There will then be a revised Programme of Study for D&T in September 2013 with first teaching in September 2014. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
English
Last updated: 14th March 2011
How is English affected?
The White Paper states that there will be a renewed focus on spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ofqual is meeting exam boards to discuss how these skills could be separately assessed in GCSE mark schemes across all subjects.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
To ensure a broad education, an English Baccalaureate has been introduced for any student who gets good GCSE or IGCSE passes in English (but not English Literature), maths, science, languages (modern or ancient) and a humanity such as history or geography. This information will be recorded on performance tables. At the moment, only 15% of students gain A*-C in this basic suite of academic subjects and fewer than 4% of students from poorer backgrounds (on free school meals).
Will there be changes to GCSE?
There will be a move towards linear GCSEs and a restriction on the number of times students can re-sit exams.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 will review English, maths, science and PE. There will then be a revised Programme of Study in September 2012 with first teaching in September 2013. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
What does the Wolf Report mean for English?
Please email claire.beatt@oup.com for more information on how we can support you with these changes, and visit the English homepage to see our full range of resources to help with spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Geography
Last updated: 17th January 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary geography?
The strategy outlined in the White Paper impacts positively on secondary geography. It identifies geography as one of the key subjects for schools, and sets out to encourage take up of humanities subjects – including geography – at GCSE. This will be done through the introduction of a new award at Key Stage 4, the English Baccalaureate.
The English Baccalaureate will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A*to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in more “academic“ subjects, namely English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as history or geography. Performance tables will record the numbers securing the combination of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate.
The White Paper also indicates that there will be a clear move away from modularity at GCSE, arguing that breaking learning down in this way makes the exams easier to pass, and makes learning too overly focused on assessment. So future GCSEs are likely to be more linear.
What about Key Stage 3?
At Key Stage 3, schools are likely to be given greater freedom when the National Curriculum is reviewed in 2013. There will be a new National Curriculum focusing on the ‘core principles’, which means that it will be a lot slimmer than it is currently, and will be very specific about what students absolutely need to know, with only essential knowledge and understanding set out as a benchmark.
For more information and support
Please email hayley.durston@oup.com for more information and visit the Geography homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
Health and Social Care
Last updated: 15th March 2011
What does the White Paper mean for Vocational Education?
Pupils will be able to take vocational qualifications alongside the English Baccalaureate but accountability has been reviewed because the government is concerned that too many young people are following courses because they are easier for schools or colleges to deliver or because they confer advantages in the accountability system.
In 2004 around 15,000 vocational, or vocationally related, qualifications were taken in schools. By 2010 this had risen to around 575,000 – mostly at age 16 – a 3,800 per cent increase.
The Wolf Report on vocational qualifications
The Review of Vocational Education by Professor Alison Wolf, published in March 2011, makes the following recommendations. To make sure students get a core general education, pre-16 vocational studies should be limited to 20% maximum of a learner’s programme. Students will be encouraged to take the most valuable vocational qualifications pre-16, but incentives will be removed to take lots of vocational qualifications to the detriment of core academic study.
The Government will continue to support Apprenticeships for 16 to 19-year-olds, which offer paid jobs with training to industry standards in nearly 200 different occupations and can get people started on a fulfilling and prosperous career.
The minimum age at which young people can leave education or training will rise to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015. This could include training while working, doing an Apprenticeship, or going to school or college.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate is the proposed new qualification that will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A*to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in five core academic subjects, these must include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as History or Geography.
For more information and support
Please email laura.syred@oup.com for more information and visit the Health and Social Care homepage to see our full range of GCSE and A Level resources.
History
Last updated: 2nd February 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary History?
There will now be a special focus on GCSE History grades in your school’s league tables. This is due to the introduction of the English Baccalaureate which includes a humanities subject such as History or Geography.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate is the proposed new qualification that will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A* to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in five core academic subjects. These must include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as History or Geography.
At the moment, only 15% of students gain A*-C in this basic suite of academic subjects and fewer than 4% of students from poorer backgrounds (on free school meals).
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 will review English, maths, science and PE. Phase 2 will then focus on the remaining subjects, including history. There will then be a revised Programme of Study for history in September 2013 with first teaching in September 2014. In addition, Simon Schama is conducting a review of history. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
For more information and support
Please email laura.syred@oup.com for more information and visit the History homepage to see our full range of KS3 and GCSE resources.
ICT
Last updated: 2nd February 2011
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate is the proposed new qualification that will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A* to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in five core academic subjects. These must include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as History or Geography. ICT is not currently included in this new qualification.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 will review English, maths, science and PE. Phase 2 will then focus on the remaining subjects, including ICT. There will then be a revised Programme of Study for ICT in September 2013 with first teaching in September 2014. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
For more information and support
Please email laura.syred@oup.com for more information and visit the ICT homepage to see our full range of GCSE and A Level resources.
Maths
Last updated: 17th January 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary maths?
Alongside a few other ‘core’ subject areas, the White Paper gives increased importance to mathematics. This will manifest itself in several different ways, including increased weighting being given to 5 GCSE passes at C or above including maths, the introduction of an English Baccalaureate which includes maths, changes to the maths curriculum at KS3, a new National Curriculum focusing on ‘core principles’, changes to GCSE and A Level maths, and also more government funding being given to attracting new maths teachers at both primary and secondary level.
What about KS3?
There will be a new National Curriculum focusing on the ‘core principles’, which means that it will be a lot slimmer than it is currently, and will be very specific about what students absolutely need to know. With only essential knowledge and understanding set out as the benchmark, schools will have greater freedom to decide how and what to teach. This is due to be introduced in 2013, which is when we might expect a new KS3. New national tests are also being re-introduced at the end of KS3.
What about GCSE?
The government is continuing to consult on GCSE, though it is not yet clear when any changes will come into force. The White Paper shows a clear move away from modularity, particularly at GCSE, arguing that breaking learning down in this way makes the exams easier to pass, and makes learning too overly focused on assessment. Therefore any future GCSEs are likely to have a more linear structure. This has big implications for maths because schools are shifting increasingly towards modular specifications, and there are now roughly as many modular candidates as there are linear. In the course of the consultations, the government will no doubt be looking closely at the linked pair pilot, with a view to maths being worth two GCSEs rather than the current one. One of these GCSEs is called Applications of Mathematics, and the other Methods in Mathematics. As regards timing, the earliest feasible date for a new GCSE maths would be 2014, but more likely 2015 (or even 2016, so that year 7s can start the new National Curriculum in 2013, and progress seamlessly to the new GCSE).
What about A Level?
The government is continuing to consult on A Level, though it is not clear when any changes will come into force. The White Paper hints that A Level might be allowed to continue with some modular specifications due to its overall size and scope, though there may be restrictions on this, and there is likely to be a reduction in the number of modules from 6 to 4. There will also be a move away from AS levels, which came into force during the Curriculum 2000 initiative. The White Paper points to an increased emphasis on Further Maths (partly to encourage more students to study maths-related subjects at university), and government money will be allocated for this. The timing of any A Level changes is unclear, though it could slot in between KS3 and GCSE at 2014.
What about the proposed English Baccalaureate?
A new award at KS4, the English Baccalaureate, is proposed. It will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five GCSE passes at A*-C grade in five core academic subjects that must include English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language, and a humanities subject such as history or geography. Performance tables will record the numbers securing the combination of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate: at the moment only 15% of students gain A*-C in this basic suite of academic subjects, and fewer than 4% of students from poorer backgrounds (on free school meals).
Vocational Qualifications
Students will able to take vocational qualifications alongside the English Baccalaureate, but accountability is being reviewed because the government is concerned that too many young people are following courses because they are easier for schools or colleges to deliver, or because they confer advantages in the accountability system.
The Wolf Report on vocational qualifications and how it affects maths
The Review of Vocational Education by Professor Alison Wolf, published in March 2011, makes further recommendations that will affect mathematics. They include: to make sure students get a core general education, pre-16 vocational studies should be limited to 20% maximum of a learner’s programme; students will be encouraged to take the most valuable vocational qualifications pre-16, but incentives will be removed to take lots of vocational qualifications to the detriment of core academic study; and 16-19 learners who have not achieved Maths and English GCSE should work towards a Level 2 Maths and English qualification.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 of the review will start with a Call for Evidence covering English, maths, science and PE. The questionnaire will cover the essential knowledge required for each key stage or year group. There will then be a revised Programme of Study in September 2012 with first teaching in September 2013. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
For more information and support
Please email helen.mcmanners@oup.com for more information and visit the Maths homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
Modern Foreign Languages
Last updated: 14th March 2011
The importance of languages in education
The White Paper identifies languages as a key subject which needs support and it proposes policy initiatives which could play a significant role in encouraging more students to continue to learn languages throughout Key Stages 3 and 4.
What does the White Paper mean for primary languages?
There will be a review of the National Curriculum for both primary and secondary and we assume that it will be here that statements about primary languages will be made. The review will focus generally on coherence between primary and secondary, an issue which is particularly relevant for languages.
What does the White Paper mean for secondary languages?
Despite a strong emphasis on the importance of languages as a core element in a broad and balanced education, there is no suggestion that languages will be compulsory for all pupils at Key Stage 4. The strategy is to encourage the take-up of languages and this will be done through the introduction of a new award, the English Baccalaureate.
The English Baccalaureate will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A* to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in more “academic“ subjects, namely English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as history or geography.
At the moment, only 15% of students gain A*-C in this basic suite of academic subjects and fewer than 4% of students from poorer backgrounds (on free school meals).
It is important to note that performance tables will record the numbers securing the combination of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate.
Will there be alternative accreditations?
There are many references to GCSE but none to other equivalent qualifications that schools may be using to accredit language learning.
Which languages will count towards the EBacc?
- GCSEs in Modern Foreign Languages including Welsh and Welsh as a Second Language
- GCSE in Latin
- GCSE in Classical Greek
- GCSE in Biblical Hebrew
- Cambridge International Certificate in French
- Cambridge International Certificate in Greek
- Cambridge International Certificate in Hindi as a Second Language
- CIE Legacy IGCSE in French
- CIE Legacy IGCSE in Greek
- CIE Legacy IGCSE in Hindi as a Second Language
- Not included: GCSEs in Applied French and Applied Welsh as a Second Language.
What will the content look like?
Schools and teachers will have autonomy, but there will still be defined core knowledge laid down for subjects. We do not yet know what this core knowledge for languages might look like - we will update this page as soon as we have more information.
What does the White Paper mean for literacy?
The emphasis on literacy in the White Paper supports the case for languages in schools. Language learning has a key part to play in improving general literacy, helping pupils to understand how language works.
Will there be changes to teacher training?
The White Paper proposes more school-based teacher training. This will be important for languages, as we know that the number of teachers has fallen with the decline of students opting in at KS4 and KS5.
The White Paper mentions the recognition of teacher professionalism and autonomy - this is reflected in the Teacher Training and Professional Development sections. It remains to be seen what these statements will mean in practice.
Will there be changes to Professional Development?
The White Paper underlines the importance of Professional Development and a highly trained and motivated workforce which can get the very best out of young learners. Teachers working together and learning from one another is emphasised, and there will also be more opportunities for classroom observation. A competitive national scholarship scheme will be introduced to support CPD.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 of the review will start with a Call for Evidence covering English, maths, science and PE. Phase 2, starting in early 2012, will produce draft programmes of study for the remaining subjects that should be part of the National Curriculum, as well as for any other subjects should the Gonvernment decide there should a non-statutory programme of study. The intention is for the new curriculum to come into effect for first teaching in maintained schools from September 2014. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
What does the Wolf Report mean for Modern Languages?
For more information and support
Please email claire.beatt@oup.com for more information on how we can support you with these changes, and visit the Modern Languages homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
PE
Last updated: 17th January 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary PE? The White Paper underlines the importance of PE in schools, promising to ensure the requirement to provide PE is retained in all maintained schools. New support will also be provided to encourage a much wider take-up of competitive team sports.
The White Paper states that at Key Stage 4, vocational qualifications including BTEC (specifically their equivalency to GCSEs in school league performance tables) may be re-examined to ensure transparency of standards. However the importance of vocational qualifications for schools continues to be emphasised, so it is likely that PE and Sports related BTEC qualifications will remain popular at both KS4 and KS5.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 of the review will start with a Call for Evidence covering English, maths, science and PE. The questionnaire will cover the essential knowledge required for each key stage or year group. There will then be a revised Programme of Study in September 2012 with first teaching in September 2013. To find out more and to respond online please visit the Department for Education website.
For more information and support
Please email hayley.durston@oup.com for more information and visit the Physical Education homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
RE
Last updated: 2nd February 2011
What does the White Paper mean for secondary Religious Education?
RE is currently not being recognised as a humanity and therefore is unlikely to be included in the new English Baccalaureate award; however, it is still a compulsory subject.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate is the proposed new qualification that will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five A* to C GCSE (or IGCSE) passes in five core academic subjects. These must include English, Mathematics, the Sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanities subject such as History or Geography.
Is this decision likely to change?
The decision to exclude Religious Education from the English Baccalaureate has of course caused great concern amongst RE teachers.
The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) has written to Michael Gove to express concern that RE is not explicitly defined as a humanity. This is a statement from the NATRE website:
‘With the recent release of the Education White Paper (The Importance of Teaching), we've been receiving a number of questions about what this means for Religious Education. The short answer is that, at this stage, it's hard to tell. Religious Education is not explicitly mentioned and we still don't know if it will feature in the curriculum review. All we can do is wait...’
Jon Mayled has done a useful analysis of 'The Importance of Teaching' from an RE perspective, which can be found on Unlocking RE. See this for a more detailed exploration of the implications for RE.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20 January the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 will review English, maths, science and PE. Phase 2 will then focus on the remaining subjects. RE is excluded from this review as a subject with its own special requirements. The Government does not intend to make any changes to the statutory basis for religious education. To find out more please visit the Department for Education website.
For more information and support
Please email laura.syred@oup.com for more information and visit the Religious Education homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
Science
Last updated: 2nd February 2011
How does this affect the upcoming 2011 GCSE Science specifications?
The movement away from modular examinations to linear is unlikely to impact the 2011 GCSE Science specifications. It is expected that these changes will be seen in the next round of GCSE changes. Controlled Assessment will most likely still form part of the examinations.
What about Separate Sciences?
The White Paper supports Separate Sciences at GCSE and it states that the government will support schools that offer students the chance to study GCSE physics, chemistry and biology as separate subjects by exploring how performance tables can reward this raising of aspirations.
How is GCSE Science affected?
The government is continuing to consult on GCSE, though it is not clear when any changes will come into force. The White Paper shows a clear desire to move away from modularity, particularly at GCSE, arguing that breaking learning down in this way makes the exams too easy to pass, and makes learning to overly focused on assessment. So future GCSEs are likely to be more linear. As regards timing, the earliest feasible date for linear GCSE science is currently likely to be 2014, but more likely 2015 (or even 2016, so that year 7s can start the new National Curriculum in 2013, and progress seamlessly to the new GCSE).
How is KS3 Science affected?
There will be a new National Curriculum focusing on the ‘core principles’, which means that it is likely to be a lot slimmer than it is currently, and will be very specific about what students absolutely need to know. With only essential knowledge and understanding set out as the benchmark, schools will have greater freedom to decide how and what to teach. New national tests are also being re-introduced at the end of KS3.
What about the National Curriculum review?
On 20th January 2011 the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. Phase 1 of the review will start with a Call for Evidence covering English, maths, science and PE. There will then be a revised Programme of Study for science in September 2012 with first teaching in September 2013. View the timetable for the National Curriculum Review.
How is A Level Science affected?
The government is continuing to consult on A Level, though it is not clear when changes will come into force. The White Paper hints that A Level might be allowed to continue with some modular specifications, though there may be restrictions on this, and there is likely to be a reduction in the number of modules from 6 to 4. There will be a move away from AS levels. The timing of any A Level changes is unclear, though it may be timed to coincide with KS3 changes in September 2013 as in the past.
What is the proposed English Baccalaureate?
A new award at KS4, the English Baccalaureate, is proposed. It will be awarded to students who gain a minimum of five GCSE passes at A*-C grade in five core academic subjects that must include English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language, and a humanities subject such as history or geography.
Performance tables have already started to record the numbers securing the combination of GCSEs which make up the English Baccalaureate: at the moment only 15% of students gain A*-C in this basic suite of academic subjects, and fewer than 4% of students from poorer backgrounds (identified by being on free school meals).
Which science GCSEs count towards the English Baccalaureate?
78 science qualifications have been identified to count towards the English Baccalaureate, both single and double awards. View the full list of qualifications.
What about BTECs and other Vocational Qualifications?
Students will still be able to take vocational qualifications, such as BTECS, alongside the English Baccalaureate, but these will not count towards the performance table rankings of the school. Their equivalency to GCSEs is currently being reviewed due to government concerns that too many young people are following courses because they are easier for schools or colleges to deliver, or because they confer advantages in the performance tables system.
For more information and support
Please email shelly.phillips@oup.com for more information on how we can support you with these changes, and visit the Science homepage to see our full range of KS3, GCSE and A Level resources.
Please note that the information on this page is a summary of the recent education White Paper. We cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions.