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| Nicky Morgan’s proposals to push through a performance measure that will force schools to enter 90% of GCSE pupils into the “full English baccalaureate” (Too many left behind at 16, says Ofsted chief, 18 January) will result in pupils having only one (or at most two) free options at age 14. They will have to choose seven or eight subjects from the narrow Ebacc list (English language, English literature, maths, double or triple science, language, history, geography). These are considered to be the only “academic” subjects. Music, art, drama, dance, psychology, economics, business studies, religious studies, textiles, food technology and many others will gradually reduce and disappear from schools, which will not be able to maintain low-recruiting subjects. They will automatically disappear, also, from the A-level syllabus in many schools. This is already happening. | Nicky Morgan’s proposals to push through a performance measure that will force schools to enter 90% of GCSE pupils into the “full English baccalaureate” (Too many left behind at 16, says Ofsted chief, 18 January) will result in pupils having only one (or at most two) free options at age 14. They will have to choose seven or eight subjects from the narrow Ebacc list (English language, English literature, maths, double or triple science, language, history, geography). These are considered to be the only “academic” subjects. Music, art, drama, dance, psychology, economics, business studies, religious studies, textiles, food technology and many others will gradually reduce and disappear from schools, which will not be able to maintain low-recruiting subjects. They will automatically disappear, also, from the A-level syllabus in many schools. This is already happening. |
| When Michael Gove tried to introduce the so-called Ebacc as a certificate in 2010 it was roundly rejected by all stakeholders. He then introduced it via the back door as a “performance measure” which took into account good grades in five Ebacc subjects. The new proposals go all the way, despite universal opposition within education circles. Only the Russell Group directorate (though not the universities themselves) supports this narrowing of the curriculum. | When Michael Gove tried to introduce the so-called Ebacc as a certificate in 2010 it was roundly rejected by all stakeholders. He then introduced it via the back door as a “performance measure” which took into account good grades in five Ebacc subjects. The new proposals go all the way, despite universal opposition within education circles. Only the Russell Group directorate (though not the universities themselves) supports this narrowing of the curriculum. |
| The current consultation on the full Ebacc proposal closes on 29 January. It seems that most parents and governing bodies are unaware of this consultation. The DfE has not gone out of its way to alert them to it. Typically, the consultation asks questions about the problems associated with the implementation of the plan and assumes it is going ahead. It does not ask whether the idea is a good one. Anyone who feels that pupils should be helped to find the subjects for which they have the most aptitude and most chance of success should respond to this consultation and roundly reject the proposals.Professor Roger MarshUniversity of York | The current consultation on the full Ebacc proposal closes on 29 January. It seems that most parents and governing bodies are unaware of this consultation. The DfE has not gone out of its way to alert them to it. Typically, the consultation asks questions about the problems associated with the implementation of the plan and assumes it is going ahead. It does not ask whether the idea is a good one. Anyone who feels that pupils should be helped to find the subjects for which they have the most aptitude and most chance of success should respond to this consultation and roundly reject the proposals.Professor Roger MarshUniversity of York |
| • It is sad that Michael Wilshaw has to say that careers guidance in schools and colleges is uniformly weak. There was a time when local authorities ran properly funded and staffed careers services with officers who were knowledgable about local college courses and local and national training and work opportunities for young people. After being taken away from local authority control, the service was systematically run down and careers advice now depends upon cash-strapped schools and colleges staffed with people who don’t have a comprehensive knowledge of opportunities outside their own institution.Chris BarkerLondon | • It is sad that Michael Wilshaw has to say that careers guidance in schools and colleges is uniformly weak. There was a time when local authorities ran properly funded and staffed careers services with officers who were knowledgable about local college courses and local and national training and work opportunities for young people. After being taken away from local authority control, the service was systematically run down and careers advice now depends upon cash-strapped schools and colleges staffed with people who don’t have a comprehensive knowledge of opportunities outside their own institution.Chris BarkerLondon |
| • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com | • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com |