How does the Educational System work in England, who sets the curriculum and how does policy effect it?

Question

I'm in grad. school and I'm curiouse to how other contries set up the educational system.

Answer 1

In recent years there has been an attempt by government to standardise more of the curriculum.  They have done this through the QCA system and the National Curriculum.  they have even released lesson plans etc which are given to teachers and advisors help to filter that down through the LEAs (Local Education Authorities).  However, much of this has been recommended rather than compulsory, and private schools don't have to conform.  Traditionally there has been more flexibility and room for imaginative teachers to devise their own schemes within parameters.  Though private schools don't have to conform, over time the external exams such as GCSE and A level change to reflect the way most school's curriculums have changed, so the private schools have to fit in with these changes eventually even if less stringently.  The alternative is to change from the traditional external exams - indeed in recent years many schools - state and private in the UK - have started to use the IB (International baccalaureate) which remains a wider based curriculum.  Universities say the A level has become easier and that has made it harder for them to identify the candidates most suited to their courses.  My own view is that the best teaching needs an element of diversity and spontaneity and we are in danger of reducing the chance that happens.