Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment review (CAAR) final report, NSEAD respond with their analysis of what it means for Art and Design, and offer key takeaways and commentary. NSEAD's response focuses on the overarching principles and recommendations that are relevant to art and design, as well as the subject specific conclusions and recommendations.
In their full response, NSEAD have said that this Review is a positive and welcome reminder that high quality education through an aspirational curriculum is an entitlement for all. The focus on closing equity gaps and removing barriers to access is essential – we have seen a growing inequity of choice, access, attainment and experience, that was only exacerbated by Covid. The need to address this is clearly stated throughout the final report and recommendations from the CAAR panel.
NSEAD are pleased that the review recognises the need for every learner to see themselves in the curriculum, and the call for all subjects to address diversity and representation. The content of the curriculum should be future facing, equipping learners for the world they live in. Sustainability, digital and green skills, creativity, critical and contextual thinking and communication are all recognised as being essential elements of the wider curriculum that must be strengthened. The acknowledgement that the curriculum does not reflect the needs, lives and aspirations of all learners is particularly important, and the specific reference to Art and Design and the inclusion of evidence from the Runnymede Trust ‘Visualise’ research is significant and highly welcome.
The need to ensure that teachers have the space and are trusted to design and deliver locally relevant curricula, supported by high quality resources and exemplification, is also emphasised, with the materials developed by the Oak National Academy cited as an example of high quality resources to support teachers in the classroom, and in their creation of local curricula.
The Review does not take an in-depth or nuanced look at the current state of Art and Design..NSEAD note that a ‘face value’ analysis of GCSE entries, and a selective use of curriculum time data has resulted in the conclusion that Art and Design is thriving. NSEAD members are clear that this is not the case in too many schools. At both secondary and primary phases, the amount of art and design in our schools has reduced, and concerns about the quality of provision at KS1-3 have not been considered.
NSEAD conclude that whilst there is much in this Review that can strengthen education in Art and Design, it is important that we recognise that much more work is needed to ensure that every learner can access a high-quality art, craft and design education, and indeed the actions required lie beyond the scope of this review.
General Secretary Michele Gregson says
Whilst the changes recommended for Art and Design are minimal, we will take every opportunity to ensure that the recommendations for the wider curriculum also make positive change for our subject. There is much here that we con work with. However, we know that the challenges that face our subject run far deeper than the issues highlighted in this review. The impact on our subject of more than a decade of being under-valued, under-resourced and marginalised are systemic and will not be fixed by curriculum alone, however well designed..
Read the full NSEAD response
Read the full Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government response.
Visit the Curriculum section of NSEAD's website for further information, links and downloads to:
NSEAD’s response to the call for evidence
NSEAD’s response to the interim report
NSEAD’s parallel curriculum, 2013
NSEAD’s Better Practice site The Big Landscape
NSEAD’s response to the Ofsted Research Review, 2023
NSEAD’s Art and Design curriculum for the Oak National Academy