Four out of five teachers call for richer GCSE curriculum in England

Four out of five teachers in England want more relevant subject content like AI and digital skills taught to students in England, according to a major survey commissioned by OCR to inform a review into 11-16 education. 

OCR found widespread demand for reform of England’s Key Stage 4 curriculum, with 65 percent calling for more content around climate change and sustainability. 

Key Findings

• 80 percent of teachers agree that more digital skills and AI subject content is required
• 64 percent of teachers are calling for added climate change and sustainability content
• Around 72 percent of students and 60 percent of teachers agree that GCSEs adequately prepare students for their next steps after Year 11
• 49 percent of teachers believe GCSEs as currently implemented in England are out of date.

The online survey of over 1,074 teachers was carried out alongside OCR’s largest ever consultation of young people: 1,143 current or recent students (aged between 16 and 22) were asked about assessment and curriculum reform. 

The surveys have been carried out as part of OCR’s review of 11-16 education in England, led by former Education Secretary Charles Clarke, which will be published this autumn. 

The review will look at ways to reduce the pressures around assessment at 16, while reviewing the curriculum to make it more relevant to students, and finding ways to improve the way Maths and English fits into the curriculum and assessment. 

Charles Clarke will today (Monday 15 July) give the keynote speech at a policy conference of the Westminster Education Forum focusing on the future of 11-16 education and assessment, where he will draw on some of this research.

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR said: “The new government has a once in a generation chance to thoroughly reform 11-16 education, particularly the curriculum, to ensure it is relevant for students’ lives now and their careers in the future. 

“Our upcoming review will provide a strong evidence base for much of this, but of course change has to take into account the views of the entire sector, as well as the very limited resources of schools and teachers. 

“Though many students and teachers feel GCSEs are preparing students for next steps, there is a clear demand for a richer curriculum.”

Charles Clarke, former Education Secretary, said: “The findings of this survey give us a strong sense of demand for change within education. It has helped shape our upcoming review, but also underlined just how timely it is. 

“The time to reform 11-16 education is now, and that reform must be evidence-led. My work with OCR will provide some of that evidence. We will draw on not only what we have been told by students and teachers but also original research, interviews with experts, and literature reviews.” 

There are aspects of current 11-16 education that teachers and students are more satisfied with. Around 72 percent of students and 60 percent of teachers agree that GCSEs adequately prepare students for their next steps after Year 11. 

OCR, which is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, will draw on UK and International perspectives, experiences and expertise for its upcoming review of 11-16 education. 

This will include learning from successes around the world, original research by the organisation’s Assessment Research and Development division, and investigations of other international systems.

Of the teacher respondents, the majority were teachers or heads of department, along with some senior leaders. It included teachers in England across the secondary age ranges, with the majority being Year 10 and 11 teachers, and was not limited to schools that use OCR exams. It also included both state and private schools. The student survey was completed by young people aged 16-22, ensuring a mix of those studying for their GCSEs, as well as those who have recently completed them and moved onto further study or employment.