Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/06/12/science_curriculum_gove/
New UK curriculum ramps up lessons in SPAAAACE
More facts crammed into brains in draft schools shakeup
Posted in Science, 12th June 2012 11:13 GMT
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British children will be taught more about the solar system and evolution in an overhaul of the primary school curriculum proposed yesterday [1] by Education Secretary Michael Gove.
Gove reckons his new draft lesson plan will "restore rigour" to classrooms by bumping up the amount of stuff kids have to learn: in science that will mean telling youngsters more about neighbouring planets and how creatures emerged from Earth's primordial ooze, which will make a change from the Pokemon flavour of evolution the tykes are used to.
Blighty's under-12s will also be made to learn more about the concept of speed - presumably the magnitude of velocity rather than the drug.
In line with the approach to science in schools in Alberta and Massachusetts, there will be a new focus on getting kids to do experiments.
In maths, pupils will be expected to do more work with fractions - a level consistent with education in Singapore - and know their times tables up to 12 x 12 instead of the current top limit of 10 x 10. In English, spelling will be beefed up, and pupils will be expected to know how to use apostrophes correctly and master formal English by reciting poetry. ®