Massive changes to curriculum, is it too late to change this?

[nycortaki]

This is not just about stonehenge, it is massive changes to maths, science, history, literature - phrases such as moving of goal posts and rewriting history do not come close!

The real education expert you mention, you mean Becky Francis? When she was appointed she said that she was a radical feminist and she would be making radical changes to the curriculum to reflect what she feels is needed for girls? (No mention of boys needs in the article I read, sadly). Is this right and did the article get it right? And would you say that she and the organisation she works for might fall into the "woke and extreme liberal" category?

Just wondering

Yes, it sounds as though you are a real expert, and have actually read the source material and drawn your own conclusions and could answer my questions from the top of your head without breaking a sweat. So which part of the video exactly is incorrect - I assume you have read the think tank report in full?

I do believe in free speech. But I'd love to hear other posters - I have seen the same posters on thread after thread, and I already know what they are going to say, and understand their motivations and agenda. But what I said was tongue in cheek, don't worry - a part of the agenda is to dominate and overrun threads. In terms of free speech, feel free to speak as you find.

Lazy! Do your own research!

Have YOU read the report?

The findings of a think tank..... You should do a bit of digging into Policy Exchange, by the way.

I agree that there is a lack of detail and that that is usual - but it shouldn't be. The fact that a clearer report can't be issued is worrying in itself, even if it is so commonplace it has become the norm. However, the youtube video refers to changes already made in schools to their curriculum (according to a think tank report, details in the video) so this conflicts with the info given in some of the posts here.

In relation to this report, though, since it is linked, it is interesting and I think you can read between the lines despite the lack of clarity. I haven't read the full report yet but on the early pages you see "Responses to the Call for Evidence suggest that the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) performance measures may unnecessarily constrain the choice of students, impacting their engagement and achievement, and limiting their access to, and the time available for, vocational and arts subjects" which basically means that the intention is to dumb it down/not require accuracy, further than is already the case. If so, this would be very damaging, in my opinion.

Right back at you - don't make assertions which are incorrect and then call someone else lazy for asking you to back them up with facts.

I have. What do you think of them?

But the English Baccalaureate has constrained choice and reduced the number of students taking arts subjects. And if you'd done your research, you would realise that the arts in the UK make substantial amounts of money for the UK Exchequer. Don't you want to encourage that?

What is made up nonsense? do you mean there is no such book (as the one mentioned) and the findings of the think tank referred to are completely incorrect?

“If you think these changes are sensible… don’t post”. You are literally saying only people who agree with you should post. And you have posted this on a board entitled “am I being unreasonable “?! So yes, you are being very unreasonable. If you want an echo chamber you won’t find it on this board, or probably anywhere on mumsnet given the topic. Stick to the comments section on the actual YouTube video if you just want people to join you in your outrage.

No, I don't think that dumbing down in order to get more money is a good idea... nor necessary... but I don't think that is what was meant by the quote. If you believe truly in what you say can you provide your sources to back it up? Thanks. I will then read and respond.

OP you still haven’t told us about one change which is being proposed.

I was literally saying that I didn't want to hear woke or extreme liberal points of view.

But as I said, it was tongue in cheek. And I didn't forbid posting obviously I just asked nicely if you could go elsewhere. And I was ignored and I have responded to posts. So there is nothing for you to complain about now.

Life’s too short to watch hysterical youtube videos. If you want opinions then summarise the content into a legible post.

Thank you, dreichweather, for your contribution. I am glad you were not put off by my tongue in cheek post.

@nycortaki could you tell us what specifically you object to?

I'm sorry, I can't face watching a video.

You can't start claiming things are tongue in cheek to avoid answering questions

Yawn

I’m becoming increasing put off by the lack of information.

Why does recognising that the EB has discouraged take up of creative GCSEs = dumbing down? Can you explain?

I was referring to changes which were referred to in the youtube video, specifically. The video refers to findings by Policy Exchange, about books being published and recommended for school libraries which do not reflect peer reviewed research, and the fact that 8/10 state schools have already made significant curriculum changes, which the interviewed ex-headmaster finds worrying, eg vast chunks of British history is no longer being taught. If you want comment on what was being said and by whom, you will need to watch the video and look at the report and the book they were referring to.

Do you not think the bit I quoted - ie see the whole quote - basically means dumbing down? If not, why not?

That was a copied and pasted reply which still didn't answer the question:

WHAT books?
What British history isn't being taught and what is being taught in its place?

You can't keep saying "the book" and not give its title!