Curriculum 'stuck in Victorian era'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Schools in England and Wales are still stuck in the Victorian era, according to a major study to be published this week.
A report for the education charity Edge says most modern ideas about education continue to be dominated by "19th-century concepts of merit and ability".
As a result, children less able to thrive in a traditional academic environment are still being prepared "for toil in the fields and factories", says the former Education Secretary Lord (Kenneth) Baker in a foreword to the report.
The report was compiled by Professor William Richardson – the former head of education at Exeter University who is now secretary to the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents 250 of the country's leading independent schools – and Dr Sue Sing, a research fellow at Exeter University.
The document argues that schools must give more emphasis to practical subjects and problem solving if the UK is to compete in the global economy. "Nineteenth-century definitions of merit and ability were largely worked out among universities, public schools and reformed grammar schools," the document says.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments