Impact of Michael Gove’s Curriculum Changes on English Secondary Schools: An Analysis
The impact of former UK Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, on secondary schools has been a topic of considerable debate since his tenure. A popular question often arises: have his changes to the curriculum improved secondary schools in the UK, or has he merely worsened the situation overall?
An Evaluation of Recent PISA Data
According to the PISA 2018 results for England, the mean scores for reading were comparable to those for Scotland and Northern Ireland, while England had significantly higher scores than Wales. In terms of science and mathematics, the mean scores for England were notably higher than those for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and these latter three regions were not significantly different from each other.
This trend is starkly different from the experiences in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where significant declines in educational standards have been observed. For instance, Scotland saw a mixed report for its education system in global rankings, while Wales reported an improvement in global education tests over the same period. These regional disparities suggest that Gove's reforms in England have not experienced the same negative trends as in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Comparative Analysis with Other Provinces and Regions
It is worth noting that while Michael Gove implemented significant changes to the curriculum in England, the rest of the UK (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) took a different path. This devolved governance has led to varying outcomes in educational standards, with financial and resource allocations playing a crucial role in these disparities.
The per pupil expenditure outside London is generally lower than in other English regions, yet the relative performance of schools in England stands out. England's average primary class size is 27.1, compared to 23.5 in Scotland and 25.6 in Wales, indicating that class sizes in England are larger, which can be a critical factor in educational outcomes. However, despite these differences in funding and class sizes, the performance metrics for England continue to show improvement and stability.
The Abolition of GCSE ICT and Its Impact
One of the most significant changes under Gove was the abolition of the GCSE in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Nicknamed “Death by Powerpoint,” this change was controversial for several reasons. Often referred to as “Secretarial Skills,” this course was seen as anachronistic, with many adults recalling its relevance being much reduced in comparison to the rapid advancements in technology and digital literacy.
Boys, in particular, disliked the subject, and it received widespread criticism from both parents and educators. The language of criticism was such that internecine arguments between parents and schools about GCSE ICT became commonplace. Nonetheless, the elimination of this course was part of a broader strategy to focus on core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, which are considered fundamental for future educational and professional opportunities.
The Need for Further Investigation
The question of whether Gove's reformed curriculum has led to improved standards in English secondary schools remains open to further exploration. The PISA 2018 results indicate that, overall, school standards in England have not continued to decline as sharply as in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additional factors such as funding allocation, class size, and regional governance play a crucial role in these outcomes.
The success of Gove's curriculum changes is thus intertwined with these broader systemic factors. Continued monitoring and analysis are necessary to understand the full impact of his reforms.
Keywords: Michael Gove, Curriculum Changes, PISA Results, Secondary School Standards, GCSE ICT