A successful campaign
Michael Gove has finally listened to all those who argued against his proposals to replace GCSEs in five key subjects with the English Baccalaureate Certificates, and scrapped his plans for new exams.
Many thanks for your support
The English Baccalaureate Certificates (EBC) were widely condemned by many, including the teaching profession, bodies representing the arts, sport, business, technical and design groups and the Education Select Committee. The rush to change risked excluding many pupils and damaging the creative and cultural health of our nation. We could not have achieved this result without the backing of all of you who signed the petition and supported our campaign.
Still more work to do
Many supporters of the campaign will want to look in detail at any further proposals from the Government to make sure all our concerns are properly addressed. Michael Gove's proposals on league tables maintain EBacc subjects as a discrete measure, potentially downgrading the importance of creative subjects in school. There would also appear to be some inconsistencies and contradictions in Michael Gove's statement on the curriculum. While he has conceded that he was wrong about the EBCs, we should remain vigilant that he does not use the curriculum to reintroduce elements that he favours.
Our campaign will continue, to ensure that all pupils benefit from an education system that recognises talent and skills beyond a limited range of subjects. Please encourage anyone not yet signed up, to sign the petition and join the campaign