Cornwall School Backs Bold Curriculum Overhaul Covering Climate and Coding

Camborne Science & International Academy (CSIA) part of Athena Learning Trust, has welcomed a major shift in the national curriculum following the release of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR), published today, Wednesday 5th November 2025.

A Once-in-a-Generation Review

The review marks the first major overhaul of England’s curriculum in more than a decade. Commissioned in 2024 by the Department for Education and led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, it aims to modernise what children learn and how they are assessed.

The CAR is set to shape the learning experience of millions of students and influence how families engage with education for years to come. It explores how well England’s national curriculum supports excellence, prepares young people for life and work, and removes barriers to opportunity.

The process drew on research and consultation with educators, parents, pupils, employers, and other key stakeholders across the country.

Focus on Real-World Skills

The review calls for stronger emphasis on subjects such as financial literacy, digital and media awareness, oracy, climate change, and sustainability. It recognises that the world—and what children need to learn about it—has changed significantly in the past ten years.

Emma Haase, Principal of Camborne Science and International Academy, said:

“This review is a welcome step forward. Our children are growing up in a fast-changing world, and their education must reflect that. We’re pleased to see a stronger focus on real-world skills like financial literacy, climate awareness, and digital confidence. These are not extras, they’re essentials. At CSIA, we’re already embedding these themes into our curriculum, and we’re excited to see national policy moving in the same direction.”

Key Proposals in the Review

Among the major recommendations outlined in the report are:

• A greater emphasis on financial education for young people

• Reforms to English teaching in primary schools and a move away from outdated content

• An entitlement to triple and practical science for all students

• Mandatory citizenship education in primary schools

• Streamlined assessments, with fewer exam papers but maintained standards

• A possible new A Level focused on artificial intelligence

• A stronger focus on local history in schools

The Curriculum and Assessment Review sets out a plan to ensure that education in England remains broad, rigorous, and relevant to the modern world.