The Education Committee will question Professor Becky Francis on
her work leading the Government's ongoing Curriculum and
Assessment Review (CAR).
Details of the Review, led by Professor Francis, were published in July
2024. Its interim report was published in
March.
MPs are likely to ask about the form that recommendations to the
Government will take after the CAR has been completed. The
interim report suggested reforms should happen “incrementally”,
with an emphasis on “evolution not revolution”.
Professor Becky Francis could face questions on how the Review
will reflect the wide range of views submitted, and how school
leaders can be meaningfully engaged in the implementation of any
proposed changes.
The cross-party Committee is also likely to ask Professor Francis
how she will balance concerns about the volume of content
in the national curriculum with the importance of giving
students a rich knowledge base, and how schools could be
empowered to manage their delivery of the curriculum with the
time available in each school term.
She may be asked about the efficacy of English and maths
education for young people who do not achieve a grade 4 at
GCSE.
MPs will also be interested to hear Professor Francis's views on
improving pathways to non-academic routes after post-16, and
education about careers.
The Committee will be interested to hear about the aim of making
the national curriculum more inclusive for children with special
educational needs and disabilities, from disadvantaged
backgrounds, and from diverse backgrounds. The Committee is also
likely to ask about improving media literacy and digital skills
in the curriculum.
There may also be questions about how sciences and religious
education are taught, and the importance of arts subjects.
Witnesses from
10:00
- Professor Becky Francis CBE
