“Every Child Achieving and Thriving”: A broad and rich curriculum

Our Director reflects on First Give’s alignment with the Government’s White Paper

I spent yesterday reading through the White Paper, and have been thinking carefully about whether, and how to respond. I’ll start by saying that I found the tone set by the Secretary of State in her introduction refreshing. The ambition, the vision and the general approach speak to a wider definition of education. One centred not simply on attainment and preparedness for a career, but on the development of citizenship, belonging and agency.

“School curricula must be rich and broad, building every child’s knowledge and their skills so our young people step into a world of change confident in their ability to shape it.”

Bridget Phillipson’s introduction says our young people should emerge from school, “…not just fit for the world of work, but engaged, responsible citizens ready to shape our country…”

I am delighted to see this reflected in a commitment to a broad and rich curriculum. A new enrichment entitlement (including civic engagement); a national focus on belonging; and renewed expectations around student voice. These all echo the vision that “all children to enjoy a childhood rich in opportunity – to learn, play and develop as individuals and to become empowered, confident citizens ready to shape our society’s future.”

I am lucky to visit schools across the country. There is no sugar coating it. Teachers feel stretched. They are asked to do a lot. I know there is some nervousness that the White Paper is proposing asking schools to do even more. So the recognition that schools cannot do this alone – that communities, charities and civic partners are essential is particularly welcome. We will look forward to hearing more reflections from education leaders – including our school partners – over the coming weeks and months. But this is where First Give feels so aligned.

First Give – part of a rich and broad curriculum

For more than a decade, First Give has worked in partnership with schools to help provide a rich and broad curriculum:

• building students’ agency and confidence
• deepening their sense of belonging in school and community
• amplifying student voice
• creating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement
• helping young people understand that they can shape the world

As schools look to meet new expectations for enrichment, inclusion, engagement and citizenship, we stand ready to support them – practically, joyfully and at scale.

If we mean what this White Paper says about children becoming “engaged, responsible citizens”, then civic education isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential.

“Our best schools are those where children achieve academically and thrive as people.”  I am lucky to see this at hundreds of schools across England and Wales. More power to them!