British baccalaureate is being considered by Rishi Sunak as part of an educational reform.
As part of his ambitions to restructure A-levels, Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering switching to a system modeled after the international baccalaureate. Labour has called the alleged suggestions a “unworkable gimmick.”
According to a government source, suggestions to drastically alter A-levels include moving toward a more continental style of education.
The Times, which broke the story, claimed that math and English would be made mandatory till the age of 18.
Although Mr. Sunak has previously stated plans to require kids to study math for two additional years, students are currently only required until the age of 16.
According to the publication, no last decision has been taken, and it is unlikely that the plans will be implemented before the following election.
Prior to the Conservative Party’s Conference, which will be held under the theme “Long-term choices for a brighter future,” this event will take place.
If affirmed, it will exacerbate the gulf between Labour and education, whose policies have centered on removing obstacles and improving standards, such as eliminating VAT exemptions on private schools.
“That is just another not delivered ploy from an inept prime minister and an ailing Tory government without a serious strategy for boosting quality of education among young people,” said Brigid Phillipson, the former shadow education secretary, of the ideas.
“Rishi Sunak should not be chasing temporary headlines via this impractical policy, whose will do little to raise standards, but rather pursue long-term objectives for enhancing math and literacy in younger children,” said one critic.
Labour will put a lot of effort into making sure that we lay the framework for rigorous requirements in our educational institutions, as well as deliver a significant revamp of schooling and evaluation from the government, she added. “Our goal is to remove barriers to opportunity,” the statement continues.
The National Educational Union (NEU) expressed similar criticism, claiming that the government’s “sketchy proposal” demonstrates how serious the problem with teacher retention and recruitment is.
The administration has neither recruited or maintained sufficient mathematics and English teachers to teach 11 to 16-year-olds,” said Dan Kebede, the secretary general of the NEU. One in five mathematicians and one in six instructors of English do not possess the necessary post-A-level credentials.
The Government’s Department for Education did not dismiss the idea of a British baccalaureate.
When questioned about the allegations, a spokeswoman responded, “Since 2010, with record spending for education and more full-time educators than ever before, we have made enormous progress in raising education levels while offering kids an excellent start in life.
To change the post-16 credentials environment, “we have already taken steps, like reforming technical school and providing millions of fresh high-quality apprenticeships.”Along with this, we’ve outlined ambitious plans to make sure that every child studies math up until the age of 18 in order to equip them with the abilities necessary to be successful in the occupations of the future.