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On 20 February 2009, following the 29 interim reports issued in 2008, the Cambridge Primary Review (CPR) published findings and proposals relating to the primary curriculum (Towards a new primary curriculum).
The report is published in two parts. Part 1 outlines current arrangements for the primary curriculum and sets them in a historical and international context. It details evidence relating to the existing curriculum’s strengths and weaknesses and highlights what needs to change. Part 2 summarises the main points emerging from this evidence, underlining other matters in need of resolution, and detailing proposals for reform.
The report finds approval for the principle of a national curriculum and recognition of its achievements, especially in science (initially), citizenship and children’s personal education. It also documents support for the early years foundation stage as the platform on which schooling can build and acknowledges gains attributable to various national strategies, especially in numeracy.
However, drawing on the available evidence, the report points to a number of weaknesses associated with the current arrangements, noting:
The report proposes 12 aims for 21st century primary education which seek to balance children’s needs now and in the future, and place knowledge, skill, imagination and productive interaction at the centre of classroom life.