Post by Robert Bradley

We improved the grades. We lost the children. Over 15 years, English schools narrowed the curriculum to boost test scores. GCSE pass rates rose from 59% to 73%. At the same time: Arts participation dropped 48% 1 in 5 children now has a probable mental health disorder (up from 1 in 9 in 2017) 1 in 4 girls aged 17-19 are struggling This isn't coincidence. My new article examines the research behind curriculum narrowing and its gendered impacts: 📌 Boys searching for identity in toxic online spaces when schools offer no alternative arenas for success 📌 Girls internalizing perfectionism when there's no safe space to fail, grow, and find joy 📌 Schools that maintain breadth actually achieving better outcomes—academic AND wellbeing The evidence is clear: we cannot test our way out of a social crisis. Children need music, sport, drama, and the arts—not as extras, but as essential pathways to building character, resilience, and a sense of purpose. What's your school doing to protect breadth in the curriculum? #Education #CurriculumDesign #StudentWellbeing #CharacterEducation #SchoolLeadership