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Reform school study, Tory argues Tories urge focus on the basics
(about 2 hours later)
Pupils should be allowed to study a wider range of subjects for longer, the shadow education secretary is to say. Too many pupils are being failed in the basics of education which should focus on core subjects, the Tories say.
As part of a policy review, the Tories should consider plans to make more pupils study modern languages, David Willetts will say in a presentation. At the launch of his first policy report, party leader David Cameron signalled a back-to-basics approach.
More should also study individual sciences and history, he will add. While refusing to detail policy pledges, he said the Tories would consider making history and languages compulsory up to the age of 16.
The Department for Education and Skills said standards had risen "at every level" since 1997 thanks to investment, reform and excellent teaching. Increased use of setting by ability was also needed, he said, to stretch the brightest and support low achievers.
The Tories want to concentrate on the subjects learnt and the standards achieved, marking a shift away from the debate on how schools are organised. Mr Cameron said the "ladder of opportunity" had been kicked away but it was his task to return it to every child.
That has dominated the political debate over education recently. Our focus is rolling up the sleeves and getting stuck into what needs to be fixed David Cameron
Policy ideas The Conservatives wanted youngsters to be equipped with the basic skills they needed to "play a part in society", he said.
Mr Cameron said the Tories' proposals included changing the curriculum to ensure a focus on the core subjects of English, maths, science, history and modern languages.
On Monday, heads of languages at dozens of top universities called on the government to reverse a decision allowing pupils to drop language study.On Monday, heads of languages at dozens of top universities called on the government to reverse a decision allowing pupils to drop language study.
The decision to make languages at 14 to 16 optional was made two years ago but the government has asked Lord Dearing to look at the decline in the subject.The decision to make languages at 14 to 16 optional was made two years ago but the government has asked Lord Dearing to look at the decline in the subject.
In his address, Mr Willetts will argue there is a strong case for pupils being obliged to study languages up until the age of 16. "Our focus is rolling up the sleeves and getting stuck into what needs to be fixed in every school in every part of the country, to get those basics right," he said.
Mr Willetts also believes more pupils should be encouraged to study individual science subjects - such as physics or chemistry - rather than combined sciences. But the Tories also want pupils to be allowed to study a wider range of subjects at GCSE, including separate sciences, and have access to a broader range of exam types.
'Public concerns' They also propose that setting by ability is made the norm in all secondary schools and increasingly used at primary level.
And the decision, made under a Conservative government, to get rid of the requirement to study history up to 16 should be revisited, he will argue 'Heavy-handed'
BBC correspondent Terry Stiastny said that, while the suggestions were still policy ideas rather than commitments for the party, the Conservatives believed they reflected public concerns. They want synthetic phonics introduced to help children learn to read and an end to key word marking in exams.
Shadow Education Secretary David Willetts said the Tories would reduce "heavy-handed" Ofsted inspections in early years education, create a more liberal regime for the nursery grants and consult on the diversification of childcare.
The Department for Education and Skills said standards had risen at every level since 1997.The Department for Education and Skills said standards had risen at every level since 1997.
A spokesman said: "Through our recent Education Act, we are helping schools move to the next level, building on these achievements and enabling every school to raise standards even further and help every child reach their full potential."A spokesman said: "Through our recent Education Act, we are helping schools move to the next level, building on these achievements and enabling every school to raise standards even further and help every child reach their full potential."