Education Today Education Today Magazine
A survey of 555 primary teachers currently working in schools in England, commissioned by Kapow Primary, found that 90% of primary educators believe cutting subject content would help pupils better grasp basic concepts, with almost half (46%) strongly agreeing this change would improve pupils’ ability to master key ideas.
The survey found that 71% of teachers consider themselves at least “somewhat informed” about the curriculum review, but that they also feel underprepared to make the necessary changes. Only 6% of teachers believe their schools are “very prepared” to implement curriculum reforms, while 22% say they are “not at all prepared.”
When asked about the timeline for implementation, almost half (49%) of teachers want any changes to be spread over one to two years, while 28% prefer a longer period of three to five years. A smaller group (17%) would like to see reforms tested in pilot schools before wider introduction.
The findings also revealed that teachers are deeply worried about the impact that curriculum changes will have on their professional and personal lives. More than half reported being “extremely” or “very” concerned about increased workload (54%) and reduced work-life balance (52%). More than a third (39%) of the teachers spoken said they were even considering leaving the profession due to reform concerns.
And according to the study nearly one in four primary teachers say they are thinking about changing roles (24%), while another 24% plan to reduce their working hours. A smaller proportion (13%) are considering moving to a different school.
The Kapow research comes after the government’s curriculum review interim report announced it would examine the volume of specified content at Key Stages 1 and 2 to ensure that a good level of breadth across the curriculum is achievable. The interim report, published last month, noted that SATs will remain but improvements to writing and SPAG tests would be considered.
The burden of constant change appears to be taking its toll, with 37% of teachers worried about policy changes without evidence of effectiveness. Beyond workload concerns, teachers cited lack of adequate training (34%) and balancing depth versus breadth (32%) as major curriculum change worries.
Vicky Cottrill-Gray, education content director at Kapow Primary, said: “With more than half of the teachers sharing concerns about the impact any changes will have on their workload, whatever the full outcome of the curriculum review, schools are going to need curriculum and subject leadership support.
“With so many teachers considering leaving the profession, our research points to a potential staffing crisis if schools and teachers are not able to get the support they need to successfully implement an updated curriculum.”
Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, added: “Primary school leaders tell us that the current curriculum is overloaded. Reducing that content will not only allow more time for pupils to learn key concepts but will enhance pupils’ experiences of learning, increase engagement, and create flexibility to make sure learning is relevant to pupils in every school community.”
