Wilshaw challenges government policy on English Baccalaureate
Ministers have stated that pupils starting school this September will be expected to study Maths, English, Science, a humanity and a modern language during key stage 4.
However, Wilshaw claims that the policy will be a “problem” for some young people. The Head of Ofsted has questioned whether the EBacc would properly prepare students for education after GCSEs, particularly those who wish to undertake an apprenticeship.
He said: “I can think of youngsters, even at the highest-performing schools, who will find it a problem, I can think of youngsters who would have been better suited to do English, Maths and Science and a range of vocational subjects.”
On the other hand, Nicky Morgan, education secretary says that the new policy to make the EBacc obligatory for all students is simply a matter of “social justice”.
In addition to the potential for conflict between the views of Morgan and Wilshaw, the contradicting opinions are aggravated by the Conservative Party’s pledge to prohibit schools that do not offer the EBacc from gaining higher ratings from Ofsted.
Whilst Wilshaw has admitted that ministers had not yet discussed this possibility with Ofsted, he assures that such a suggestion will receive a “robust” response if raised.
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