The announcement of a widespread curriculum review was made on Saturday 10 August 2024 by the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson who said that she was launching a review of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools to embed critical thinking across multiple subjects and arm children against “putrid conspiracy theories”.
As part of the plans, English lessons could be used to scrutinise newspaper reports, comparing the style and language of news media platforms to fake news while IT lessons could also be used to teach pupils how to identify fake news websites online.
Responding to the review, Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors said on 12 August: “The recent far-right riots across the UK have, once again, shone a light on the dangers and damage that can be caused by fake news and misinformation online and we welcome the government’s recognition of the need for urgent action in this area.
“Alongside enhanced media literacy, it is essential that children and young people are given the skills from an early age to recognise fake information online and the work of the accredited media should be pointed to as a source of accurate and responsible news and information.”
Announcing the review, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told The Telegraph: “It’s more important than ever that we give young people the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge what they see online.
“That’s why our curriculum review will develop plans to embed critical skills in lessons to arm our children against the disinformation, fake news and putrid conspiracy theories awash on social media.
“Our renewed curriculum will always put high and rising standards in core subjects first – that’s non-negotiable. But alongside this we will create a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum that widens access to cultural subjects and gives pupils the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at work and throughout life.”
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