The parents expressed concern about how it might be possible for them to understand the curriculum more fully but expressed support for balance and integration within the curriculum. In relation to balance there was particular concern to achieve balance between academic study and vocational learning, such that all pupils might be motivated and would genuinely benefit from their time in school. They also recognised significant differences between the primary and secondary sectors and saw transition from one to the other as a particularly important consideration in curriculum planning. There were some concerns expressed about assessment and about the effect of inspections on schools. There was support for the recognition of wider achievement. Finally, those parents in the focus groups were generally keen to play a greater role in supporting their children and their learning and would welcome more detailed guidance on how to support the work of their children’s schools. Among the employers there were some who had more detailed knowledge about the curriculum proposals. As indicated above there was general enthusiasm for the ideas, although some scepticism was expressed about the practicality of the current outlines. They did welcome the increased emphasis on ‘soft skills’ which they saw as valuable in the world of work and the aim to support cross-curricular developments. Some concerns were voiced about the danger of losing some of the subject focused expertise of the existing curriculum and that this might be a demotivating factor for the academically more successful pupils. There were several views expressed about the role of assessment. Some employers felt they had a poor understanding of the qualifications system and others felt that in any case they were more interested in ‘employability’ than in qualifications achieved. There was a general willingness to play an increased role in supporting schools and the development of the curriculum, among those in the groups.
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