From MadeForMums · · 1m 30s
Government targets white working-class school disengagement with new curriculum
New education reforms aim to stop white working-class pupils being rushed into GCSEs too early.
In brief
New education reforms aim to stop white working-class pupils being rushed into GCSEs too early. The UK government will restore Key Stage 3 as a three-year phase to help white working-class children stay engaged in school before GCSEs. Originally reported by MadeForMums.
New school reforms target white working-class pupils
The government plans major changes to the first three years of secondary school to help white working-class children succeed.
Restoring key stage 3 as three-year phase
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) will be a distinct three-year phase to build stronger foundations before GCSEs.
White working-class pupils face disengagement risks
1.25 million white British pupils in England who receive free school meals experience weak educational outcomes.
Persistent absence doubles in key stage 3
The proportion of pupils persistently absent almost doubles between Year 7 and Year 9, reaching one in four children.
White working-class absence rates 75% higher
For white working-class children, persistent absence rates are 75% higher in secondary school than in primary school.
New curriculum focuses on core skills
The new National Curriculum will emphasize reading fluency, numeracy, oracy, technical skills and creative subjects.
Government aims to reduce neet rates
With nearly one million young people currently classed as NEET, reforms target improving education routes for teenagers.
Education secretary explains changes
Lucy Powell says early GCSE focus leaves pupils with narrower curriculum and rushed learning before fundamentals.
The big picture
The UK government will restore Key Stage 3 as a three-year phase to help white working-class children stay engaged in school before GCSEs.
