Plans to boost arts and enrichment in school

The government has announced new measures to boost arts education, enrichment activities, as well as AI and technology opportunities.

This comes as the curriculum and assessment review expert panel, led by Professor Becky Francis, publishes its interim report and sets out its next steps to develop a curriculum and assessment system fit for the future.

Part of the measures include the establishment of a National Centre for Arts and Music Education which will promote opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school - including through the government’s network of music hubs. The new National Centre for Arts and Music Education includes a new online training offer for teachers.

An Enrichment Framework will also be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts, covering a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sport to debating and volunteering.

Alongside this, a new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will advise the government on what changes can be made to prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future.

The group will advise the government on what changes can be made to improve the AI and digital skills talent pipeline, prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future, and drive better teaching and learning through the use of AI and Technology. The group will report to the Education Secretary before the end of the academic year.

The Education Secretary has also confirmed that compulsory tests, checks and assessments for reading, writing and maths will remain a core part of the curriculum and assessment system.