Hello everyone!
It has been an age, hasn’t it! I’ve been busy raising a toddler, launching a YouTube channel, and trying to keep my head above water—it’s been a whole thing. We’re also trying to declutter the house, which seems to be the ultimate Sisyphean task, and I’m so tired all the time! I think… I think my child might be an energy vampire. Who do I see about that?
Today, I’m diving into a topic that is very close to my heart and was the focus of my MA research at UCL: Curriculum Narrowing. You might have noticed your child coming home talking more about "SPaG" and "Arithmetic" than the Romans or watercolours. There’s a reason for that, and it’s not just a random choice by their teacher.
What is Curriculum Narrowing?
In plain English, it’s when schools spend a disproportionate amount of time on the subjects that get tested—mostly Maths and English—at the direct expense of everything else. We’re talking about the arts, humanities, PE, and even science being pushed to the sidelines.
My research found that this isn't an anomaly; it’s a systemic feature of our primary education. In a survey I conducted with 49 primary school educators, 67% admitted that the primary use of SATs data is to inform government league tables and rankings. Only 28% thought the tests were primarily there to inform you, the parents, about your child’s progress.
The "Booster" Culture
If your child is in Year 6, you’ve probably heard of "booster sessions." Often held before or after school (or even during lunch!), these are designed to drill students in the core tested areas. While schools frame these as supportive, they often replace periods of play, socialisation, or the "fun" foundation subjects.
One teacher I interviewed admitted to spending three months on fractions but only four days on algebra—simply because fractions carry more "weight" in the SATs papers. Another noted that while subjects like history are technically on the timetable, "high-need" pupils are often pulled out for more intensive reading and maths drills.
The Science Slump
Science is a perfect example of this "if it isn't measured, it isn't taught" mentality. Before 2009, Science was a nationally tested subject and got plenty of look-in. Since it moved to a sample-based testing model where results aren't public, instructional time has plummeted. Every teacher I spoke to reported a severe reduction in science teaching because "nobody checks and nobody cares" about the unpublished results.
Why Does This Matter to You?
As parents, we want our children to have a broad, balanced education that prepares them for life, not just for a series of 45-minute tests. When the curriculum narrows, we lose the chance to find the "spark" in children who might not be mathematical geniuses but are incredible artists, historians, or scientists.
In Part 2, we’ll look at the socio-economic divide—how this pressure hits different communities—and whether this practice is actually legal.
Until next time, take care of yourself; check in on your friends; and remember: you can do this. You're awesome!
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