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The DfE restriction to core subjects for two terms is based on the belief that a balanced curriculum does not itself contribute to maths and English learning.. But there are many reasons to believe the opposite and here is some anecdotal evidence that core only is a bad idea 1/
A school run by a MAT led by a gov inner circle school leader restricted its Y6 curriculum to maths and English for two terms of Y6 with everything else happening after the SATS. Their SATs results were no better than the previous year 2/
There are many explanations to understand why PE, Art, humanities etc support maths and English learning including motivation etc, but also govt own preferred cog sci beliefs suggest cramming for two terms... 3/
...is a bad idea. Positive evidence for the value of a broad curriculum comes from the P4C trial and its positive effect on maths,and arts based projects leading to positive outcomes in tested subjects. It is ironic that the push for cultural capital in the curriculum pivots 4/
..so quickly to a restricted curriculum. Of course children who have had a relatively rich lockdown experience will continue with drama clubs, music lessons, trips to museums, encouragement to do crafts at home etc so they will lose out less. Children of ministers will be 5/
at fee paying schools which will ignore the govt guidance. Meanwhile we risk hundreds of thousands of children whose relationship to school has already been strained being losing any love of learning. This could have longer term damage than the last few months out of school.
