Education for economic advantage

"A radical change to how and what children in Wales are taught is under consideration 26 years after the national curriculum was introduced."

"Prof Graham Donaldson wants computer programming and IT in all classes to be as important as literacy and numeracy. Schools should have more flexibility to teach around a central curriculum. The results of the independent review have been called "a compelling, exciting and ambitious vision" by the education minister."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-31606122

The purposes of the curriculum in Wales should be that children and young people develop as:
ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives

enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work

ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.
Compare this with what is happening in Scotland by way of Curriculum for Excellence:

Scotland`s aspirations are that children should be:

successful learners (lifelong)

 
confident individuals (with named person and wellbeing indicators)
 
responsible citizens (global citizens)
 
effective contributors (to life and work)

 

 

But none of these coincidences should be a surprise because Professor Graham Donaldson who was involved in the Welsh review was also very much part of Curriculum for Excellence. Despite the fees for his independent Welsh review, he has done a nice cut-and-paste job I would say.

 

Let us consider his pronouncements for Scotland:

It is clear that the future will require a population with the confidence and skills to meet the challenges posed by fast and far-reaching change.

Scotland’s future economic prosperity requires an education system within which the population as a whole will develop the kind of knowledge, skills and attributes which will equip them personally, socially and economically to thrive in the 21st century. It also demands standards of attainment and achievement which match these needs and strengthen Scotland’s position internationally.

Graham Donaldson, HM Senior Chief Inspector, in Improving Scottish Education, 2009

Since this can be said of Scotland and Wales, and anywhere else you look, it is a piece of nonsense isn`t it?

Education for economic advantage?  I don`t think so.