Concerns grow over new City Academies silence on planned curriculum

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 21st Mar 2006

Cllr Sylvia Anginotti, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Education

Liberal Democrat councillors on Sheffield City Council are concerned over the failure to provide the planned curriculum for two new City Academies. Lib Dems have asked for the document on three separate occasions over the last twelve months, only to be told that the curriculum isn't ready.

In September this year Waltheof and Myrtle Springs schools are due to become Sheffield's first City Academies. The controversial policy will see both schools taken out of LEA control and become independent of the council.

Liberal Democrats are anxious to see the curriculum to gauge what pupils will be taught. They are concerned as other City Academies have caused controversy for things such as teaching creationism in science lessons.

Lib Dems are concerned at the news that the curriculum isn't finished and unavailable. There are practical implications for teachers, as they have to familiarise themselves with the teaching objectives. But Lib Dems also believe that parents should be able to view the document.

Councillor Sylvia Anginotti, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Children's Services, said: -

"I have been asking to see a copy of the curriculum for twelve months now only to be refused on three separate occasions. I'm amazed that, even though both academies have now been given the go ahead, we still can't see the detail of what they will actually be teaching children"

"I have real concerns over areas such as the teaching of creationism in science. The content of our children's education is a big issue, and in my view we deserve answers sooner rather than later"

"I don't agree with the Labour Government's policy on academies as I would like to see schools remain within the LEA family. However, I feel that parents, pupils and representatives of the people of Sheffield are entitled to know exactly just what will be going on when these new academies open"