Could someone clear up my confusion - has the dfe actually suspended the curriculum and what does this mean?

[Claliscool]

Just that. So confused!!

[echt]

Link?

[THATscurryfungeBITCH]

More details needed

[66redballons]

Interesting facts to discuss or your opinion? Please clarify and link

[Di11y]

I've heard this too but don't have more info. think it means they're not expected to know everything due to be taught this term

[echt]

I found this all the way away in Australia. With the blood rushing to my head because I'm upside down. Not sure why the OP can't do this. Or is it new poster syndrome on educational threads:

www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-schools-and-other-educational-settings

[Claliscool]

I'm sorry I was under the impression gavin Williamson said the curriculum was suspended, so schools do not need to teach. Is this not correct?

[SmileEachDay]

It is. Why are you confused OP?

[ImFreeToDoWhatIWant]

I think you are not unreasonable OP. If the curriculum is suspended and schools dont have to teach, then why is my Y9 son getting five hours work set every single day? Why are his usual half termly assessments still going ahead? Personally I'm glad that his learning and education is continuing, but let's not pretend that the situation is clear and not confusing - it bloody well isn't clear at all.

[Bflatmajorsharp]

Yes the govt has suspended the curriculum but with no guidance to schools about what - if any - learning they are supposed to provide, or not as the case may be.

So you're not the only one who is confused. Pretty much the whole country will join you in that.

[CostaCosta]

We have been told we will not be teaching the curriculum, there will be a bigger focus on "mental health and wellbeing." I feel if this was promoted, more parents would have kept them off school.

[Bflatmajorsharp]

CostaCosta do you mean that's what you've been advised at the moment ie with children of keyworkers in school, or this is what you've been told from when schools go back?

[Claliscool]

Thank you! I am confused as to how this could have happened? Is this a right wing thing, to give so little institutional guidance, is it the opposite of a 'nanny state' approach? Has any parent or teacher found it effective?

[modgepodge]

It’s theoretically means schools don’t need to teach new content while they are closed, I think the rationale is that those who can’t access online learning would be disadvantaged so it’s best if everyone stands still. Schools are supposed to only be setting revision type activities to keep kids ticking over.

Meanwhile, the private schools realised parents weren’t going to pay for a few revision worksheets and carried on teaching the curriculum as normal, with 99% of children able to access the online learning they set. And so the gap widens.

But its fine, the kids will all catch up when they go back to school, even if that’s 6 months or so after they stopped going. Presumably the virus means children will learn twice as much as normal when they return to school to make up for lost time.

[Claliscool]

Thank you. I am

[Notcontent]

I have to say, I find that quite weird. I know it’s hard for teachers, and it’s hard for some students, but isn’t that a bit of cop-out, meaning some schools will continue to do their best to provide some remote teaching but others will not bother? And some students will not bother even if they are provided with remote teaching?

[Love51]

Surely it means very little unless your child attends a local authority school (I've heard rumours there are still some in existence). Private schools have never been expected to adhere to the national curriculum. Or a academies. Or free schools. But basically schools aren't expected to carry on as if there isn't a pandemic on, which is good. But some have interpreted this as in they're not allowed to teach, which is bad.
The My kids are at school a couple of days a week, not being taught, then coming home and being taught by me. In history I've been provided with PowerPoints and all the resources for my eldest. No history provided at all for my younger one, so they're studying the same stuff. He might be a bit annoying in 2 years if he remembers it all. I'm winging it for English, Maths and Science (although using the topic work for the youngest as a basis for English!)
So, they can do what they want, which is chaos.

[Claliscool]

Any school who has seen what has happened over the past 2 months with engagement of vulnerable groups dropping off a cliff must be very very alarmed surely??
And private heads rubbing hands with glee as they effectively clean up on the competition?

[modgepodge]

Wouldn’t have thought most private schools are particularly gleeful - most have offered a discount on fees this term with little cost saving to be done and have had more parents give notice for September due to job losses etc.

[Pipandmum]

Many private schools are trying to justify their fees by providing full online schedule. My Y10 daughter has more homework than usual and is online all day with her school (and clusters - one third of her year group - will each go back one a day a week after half term). They need to retain as many students as possible and ensure new enrollment. They will also take a hit with fewer boarders. The other years are also getting full online day of learning. (School is from nursery through sixth form, I imagine youngest years are not online all day).

[VenusTiger]

Is this a right wing thing, to give so little institutional guidance

What?

[Claliscool]

Gleeful not the right word

[Claliscool]

Is this a right wing thing, to give so little institutional guidance, is it the opposite of a 'nanny state' approach?

Perhaps the whole sentence makes more sense for you?

[puffinandkoala]

Generally yes it is a right wing thing not to interfere too much but this government has had no choice. And education always seems to be exempt from the nanny state approach whoever is in charge.

I took it to mean that schools would not be penalised if they did not cover everything they were meant to cover this term and end of last. I am not sure how that is supposed to work for Y10 and 12 though, who presumably will have exams come what may next year even if they are slightly delayed.