Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Alistair Strathern Excerpts
Monday 10th March 2025

(2 days, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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Assessment clearly has an important role to play in supporting achievement and development within schools. We will consider how the reformed curriculum and assessment will affect schools. We recognise the importance of supporting schools through any changes that come forward in the interim and final report.

Alistair Strathern Portrait Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)
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From the rise of Andrew Tate to the re-emergence of Tommy Robinson, lots of young people I speak to are concerned about the extremism and conspiracy theories that they are encountering online. Last month, an important report from Public First and the Pears Foundation highlighted the need to do more to empower schools and teachers to tackle those things in the classroom. How will we use the curriculum review to make the most of this moment to empower young people to feel safer in online spaces?

Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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My hon. Friend raises an important point. We already provide guidance and resources to help and support teachers to recognise some of those challenges, to intervene swiftly where necessary, and not to tolerate a culture that excuses harm and the experiences of women. Schools must be places where all young people can thrive and be ready for work and life. We will ensure that the curriculum and assessment review reflects that.