A new secondary curriculum becomes statutory from September 2008 and copies of the handbook are now available in your school for planning purposes.

Reduced prescription in the curriculum will allow greater flexibility to personalise learning, making teaching more engaging for all pupils. Those struggling with English and mathematics will have time to catch up, and others will be able to extend their learning where they have particular interests and aptitudes.

A programme of training and support has been developed to help schools prepare for the new curriculum, this month's Teachers Magazine gives more information. Ministers are proposing to allow one teaching day in 2007-08 to be used for training instead of teaching pupils, so schools can take advantage of this support.

Visit the QCA website for more information