Reviewing English Primary Education
Discuss the Cambridge Primary Review with other teachers and GA Primary Curriculum Leaders on our professional networking websites:
- Primary Review Discussion Forum - GA Ning
- Primary Review Discussion Forum - Champions Ning
The Geography Champions Ning is free to join and provides a relaxed space for primary teachers to share their experiences. You may also like to join the Early Years & Primary Practitioners Group on the GA Ning for further primary geography discussions.
Introduction
2009 has seen the publication of two major reviews of primary education.
1. In October 2009, the final report of the The Cambridge Primary Review, an independent review directed by Professor Robin Alexander and funded by Esmée Fairburn, was published.
2. In April 2009, the final report of The Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum, led by Sir Jim Rose and initiated by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), was published.
There has been considerable and selective airing of opinion in the media regarding both initiatives.
Below is a summary of the reviews and actions taken, and due to be taken, by the Geographical Association through its Governing Body and Education Committee (of which the Early Years & Primary Phase Committee is a part).
The Cambridge Primary Review
This is an independent review directed by Professor Robin Alexander, funded by Esmée Fairburn and emanating from Cambridge University. It is based upon a thorough overview of research into the education children receive during their primary years. The review combines analysis of current practice with a vision for the future. 32 interim reports have been published as part of the review and a final report has now been published. This was followed by a series of regional dissemination conferences.
Now available: Children, their World, their Education: Final Report and Recommendations of the Cambridge Primary Review.
Visit the Cambridge Primary Review website to order a copy.
View the Resource Bank - a collection of key documents and PowerPoint slides to support further dissemination, discussion and debate.
View Backgrounds and Key Conclusions (PDF).
On 20 February 2009, The Cambridge Primary Review published a special, two-part report focused on the primary curriculum entitled 'Towards a New Primary Curriculum' which can be downloaded from the Review website. View also the GA's response to this report. (Added 18.03.09)
You can also view all of the interim reports on the Primary Review website.
Professor Alexander has given lectures and spoken at a number of conferences about the review. The following two papers were originally given as lectures and make for interesting reading:
Download: The Primary Curriculum: An Alternative Way Forward (PDF)
Download: A new vision for primary education (PDF)
Download: Emerging Perspectives On Childhood (PDF)
There has been much press coverage about the review, for a comprehensive list see the Press and Media pages of the Primary Review website.
The Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum
This review was launched in January 2008 and led by Sir Jim Rose. Unlike the Cambridge Review this one focuses mainly on the curriculum. It aims to be:
'a comprehensive independent root and branch review of the primary curriculum [that will] create a smoother transition between early years and school education and help boost standards' (DCSF, 2008)
Visit the website of the Rose Review.
Final report
The final report was published on 30 April 2009 and includes the proposed programmes of learning that would make up a new curriculum and the Essentials for Learning and Life that will be developed throughout the curriculum. The Review has sought to reduce prescription and content so that schools have greater flexibility to shape how it is taught and to supplement it to meet local circumstances and pupils' individual needs. The final report builds on the interim report, and draws on a substantial evidence base to make recommendations on addressing the issues outlined in the remit of the Review.
Visit Teachernet to download the final report.
See also the DCSF's Review Home Page where you will find the Programmes of Learning for each area.
The QCA managed a consultation period that ran from Thursday 30 April until Friday 24 July 2009. The consultation was organised into four sections, with four separate questionnaires. The GA has now finalised its own response to the consultation, and this can be downloaded below. Members of the GA that have contributed to this collaborative response include teachers, headteachers, lecturers, GA staff and consultants, LA representatives and members of the wider education authority.
Download: GA response to the Rose Review consultation (Added 07.07.09)
Interim report
View the Interim Report.
This initial response from the GA was sent to the Council for Subject Associations to form part of a larger press release representing the initial views of all Subject Associations. Download the full press release.
A more detailed response has now been compiled from comments made by email, Ning and in published form. This is in two parts: an Executive Summary, which responds to the essential elements of the Interim Report, and 'A Geographical Response to Curriculum Change' which attempts to show the relationship of geography to other elements of the whole primary school. (Added 18.03.09)
Download: Executive Summary (PDF)
Download: A Geographical Response to Curriculum Change (PDF)
The debate is being continued on the QCA Thinking Primary pages which include a survey. Interesting observations from individual schools can be found in What Schools Think with links to further consultation questions. Please add your opinion to this evidence collecting exercise - individual responses are anonymous but each response counts.
Other useful links and documents
The GA's response to the Rose Review - from April 2008
Online response by the EY & Primary Phase Committee - sent in support of the above document.
Joint response from the Geographical Association and the Historical Association
Original Letter from Ed Balls to Sir Jim Rose - sets out the schedule and content of the Review.
Five major questions - these formed the basis of the online consultation held in Spring 2008.
Invitation to contribute evidence - the letter inviting contributions of evidence for the five sets of questions.
The importance of subjects in the primary curriculum - a brief overview of the Review as given by Sir Jim rose at the Primary Review Conference held in March 2008.
Main points from discussion sessions - notes from discussion sessions at the Primary Review Conference held in March 2008.
Thinking Primary - pages about the Review on the website of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Where Next?
As a geographical community, we know that teachers are working hard to make links across subjects. We would like you to champion your inspirational geography work with children by replying to future consultation questionnaires. We know how the Geography Curriculum can lead the way with enquiry, fieldwork and cross-curricular ideas. This is a vital time to be making your voice be heard, in order to enable geography to retain its stronghold within curriculum innovation.
We will continue to update this site with details of developments affecting the primary curriculum. Meanwhile your comments are always welcome via the form below.
Thank you.
Rachel Bowles & Helen Martin
Early Years & Primary Phase Committee
(Updated 16.10.09)
