ACE lobbies for arts in the EBacc

Arts Council England (ACE) is backing attempts to reverse Government proposals to exclude the arts from the heart of England’s future school examination system. ACE Chair, Liz Forgan, has written to Education Secretary Michael Gove to put forward a case for the arts to sit within a sixth strand of the English Baccalaureate at Key Stage 4 when GCSEs are replaced. ACE said her letter makes a “strong economic argument to develop future talent, making it clear that if we are to meet our aspirations for continued growth in the creative industries we must rely on progression opportunities for young people, so that they have the appropriate high level of knowledge and skills”. Current proposals for the EBacc would leave all arts subjects, together with other disciplines including IT, sport, religious education, economics and business studies, sharing just 20% of curriculum time and ACE has stated that “either a sixth strand should be considered, or a credible and achievable alternative must be developed within the remaining 20% of curriculum time.” Staff are working with officials at the Department for Education and with the creative sector as Government policy on Key Stage 4 is developed, and ACE is preparing a formal response to the Government’s consultation.
Sign the petition to get the arts in the EBacc here