On Wednesday (19 July) ministers set out
an ambition for 90% of year 10 pupils to start
to study the full suite of EBacc GCSEs by 2025, and 75%
of year 10 pupils starting to study this combination of
subjects by 2022.
The EBacc subjects – which are made up of English, Maths,
a foreign language, history or geography and sciences -
are those which, at A level, open more doors to more
degrees, according to the Russell Group.
School Standards Minister said:
Pupils, whatever their background, have the right to
study a core academic curriculum that provides them
with the knowledge and skills for a variety of careers
beyond the age of 16.
As we look increasingly outwards as a country, this is
more important than ever, and the EBacc ambition will
ensure our pupils are able to compete with educational
high performers in a global economy.
Alongside the EBacc, the arts are a crucial part of a
broad and balanced curriculum and it is great to see
that the best schools ensure young people have the
option to study both academic and creative subjects.
The Department for Education reconfirmed the ambition in
its response to the public consultation on the
implementation of the EBacc.
The government has also published further analysis
on trends in arts subjectsin schools where EBacc
entry has increased. The analysis shows the proportion of
pupils entering at least one arts subject has slightly
increased since the EBacc was introduced, but at
school-level there was a small positive correlation,
suggesting schools where EBacc entry has increased tend
to have also seen an increasing arts uptake.
Responses to the consultation also raised some concern
about the teachers required to meet the EBacc ambition.
The government recognises the challenge some schools face
in recruiting high-quality modern foreign languages (MFL)
teachers and has various schemes in place to support
schools.
Mark Lehain, Parents and Teachers for Excellence and
Principal at Bedford Free School said:
This announcement has been well trailed so will not
come as a surprise to anyone in secondary education,
nor should it be opposed.
Every child deserves a broad, rich curriculum
throughout their school years, and the vast majority of
schools already ensure they get this. While some may
wish to debate exactly what subjects should count
within the suite, we already know from looking at great
schools that there is plenty of time available in a
student’s timetable to cover EBacc combinations and
leave time to study other subjects, including the arts
and technology.
Head teachers and the wider system as a whole have got
plenty of time to work up to the target, and ensure
that there are sufficient subject specialists, funding,
and provision to deliver it.
At PTE we welcome this focus on providing a rigorous
academic, knowledge-rich curriculum for as many
students as possible.
Hywel Jones, Head Teacher at West London Free School
said:
It is vital that pupils of all abilities have access
and an entitlement to traditional subjects that build a
wider knowledge of the sciences, arts and the
humanities.
Dr Jo Saxton, CEO of Turner Schools said:
The EBacc is an enabling foundation upon which a future
of choices, be they vocational, technical or academic,
is built. It is a really powerful driver of social
justice.
Libby Nicholas, CEO of Astrea Academy Trust said:
We welcome today’s announcement and the rigour and high
expectations that EBacc brings, whilst recognising the
importance of music, drama and the arts for every
child.
