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NUT: Unions band together to call for greater consultation on new English Baccalaureate

NUT: Unions band together to call for greater consultation on new English Baccalaureate

Leading teachers’ unions say more work must be done on the proposed new English Baccalaureate before it is fit to be rolled out as a universal marker of student achievement.

The largest teaching union, the NUT, has joined forces with the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) which represents 28,500 school leaders, to launch a petition calling for greater consultation on the new English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBC).

The petition www.ebaccpetition.org.uk (link live from midnight) has already been signed by, among others, the Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg MP, Labour peers Estelle Morris and Jim Knight as well as the Musicians’ Union and Equity.
                                  
The unions are also writing to their own members and to Education Secretary Michael Gove to voice concerns that current proposals leave too many questions unanswered, especially on the future of subjects of great importance to the cultural and economic health of the nation.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the NUT, said: “Time and again we see Michael Gove rushing to push through educational reforms that are not properly thought out and are simply a reflection of his own personal preferences.  The Education Secretary needs this time to stop and listen to the many voices that are warning him that the EBC is not the way forward. Many children’s lives will be blighted as a result. This is of concern to us all.”

Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the NAHT, said: “The current consultation begs important questions. We need to consider assessment, curriculum and accountability together. Otherwise the new certificates will be undermined by all the old problems.

"We need properly to address the needs of all students, to stretch and challenge pupils with a wide range of skills and abilities.”

Ends                                                   pr196-2012
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