A former Secretary of State for Education has proposed an alternative baccalaureate for schools which includes space for two creative GCSEs. This is in direct challenge to the government’s English Baccalaureate (EBacc) which has received negative feedback from the artistic and cultural industries. The proposal would introduce a creative GCSE option, including music, dance and drama, and a choice between a design and technology GCSE or an approved technical award.
The suggestion comes in response to the view that the National Curriculum would meet the needs of all 14-16 year olds, an idea introduced by the Conservatives in the 1990s. Despite this, cultural and social changes have seen this view is far too prescriptive, and possibly even old fashioned. The proposed change would better prepare young people for employment in a global digital economy, dismissing current proposals under which 90% of young people aged 14-16 will study two English subjects, Maths, two science subjects, a foreign language, and either history or geography.
The new baccalaureate suggested would provide greater flexibility, and therefore include English; Maths; a choice of humanities GCSEs, including history, RE, foreign languages, and geography; two science GCSEs (one could be computer science); a creative GCSE, including music, art and design, drama and dance; and a design and technology GCSE or an approved technical award (such as a BTEC). This follows a decline in arts subject take up in schools to counter this.
Furthermore, the proposal suggests combining GCSEs, A-Levels and technical qualifications into an overarching award for 14-19 year olds, to remove the divide between academic and technical education. With a more long-term view this would also help young people develop the skills required for work where digital is taking precedence. In response to the proposal, the Bacc for the Future campaign did not endorse particular proposals, but appreciated the alternative to the EBacc. A Government consultation on the implementation of the EBacc closed in January 2016, but the Department for Education has given no indication yet as to when it will publish a response to this.