Building on success

There have been significant developments since the original Frameworks were introduced in 2001 and 2002. Teachers using these have contributed to the widespread improvements in teaching and learning, and to increased levels of pupil attainment at both Key Stages 3 and 4. A wealth of National Strategies resources is now available to support:

• classroom pedagogy to develop Wave 1 quality first teaching that enables all pupils to accelerate progress
• day-to-day and periodic assessment for learning, pupil-tracking, and progress reviews
• intervention – both as part of Wave 1 teaching and supplemented via Waves 2 and 3 provision – for all groups of pupils at risk of underachievement, including those with special educational needs (SEN), of Black and minority ethnic heritage, and pupils who are gifted and talented
• the professional development of teachers and subject leaders.

However, more still needs to be done to ensure that all pupils make good progress, whether they are starting at the national expectation or are beginning secondary school at levels below or above this. Much has been learned about ways of personalising pupils' learning to ensure that they are successful. We also know more about how schools and teachers can address factors which can become barriers to achievement. The renewed Frameworks have been written in the light of this increased knowledge and understanding about how to personalise learning experience, and will be a powerful tool for teachers to use to make this a reality for all pupils.

A key driving force behind the introduction of the new secondary curriculum was to:

• reduce prescription and increase flexibility – less prescription but more focus on key concepts and processes in subjects
• make more room for personalisation and locally determined curriculum
• place more emphasis on skills – functional and wider skills for learning and life.

One of the aims of the new curriculum is to create more successful learners. This link will take you to the relevant section of the QCA secondary curriculum website: Successful learners.

The renewed Frameworks – which are a combination of lines of progression built on the learning objectives and supplementary guidance and links – are a key aspect of the wider reforms to enhance secondary education, including the proposed revisions to GCSE and the introduction of Diplomas, which require all learners to achieve functional skills. The functional skills of English, mathematics and ICT are fundamental to learning across the curriculum. They also provide pupils with a key to success in the broader context of life and work. These skills are embedded in the new programmes of study.