Guided by evidence

At QCA, we use research, statistical analysis and evaluations to inform all our curriculum work. We ask teachers, young people, parents and employers what they think of the curriculum. We also work with partner organisations to identify good practice and trends in the education system. We use what we learn to guide future work, provide policy advice to the government or create guidance for schools.

Working with CUREE

QCA recently contracted the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) to help us take forward our curriculum evidence gathering over the next four years. CUREE will be undertaking a range of research activities as well as supporting school teams in action research focused on curriculum development. The work will identify innovative practice and areas for further development and support.

Philippa Cordingley, the Chief Executive of CUREE said: "At the heart of this project lies a combination of school and pupil surveys, multi site case studies, action research and systematic reviews of what is known already. Each of these different data strands is contributing to the creation of a coherent, user friendly evidence base about curriculum development. It is the breadth of QCA's vision for the curriculum and for the practical contribution that evidence can make to its development that makes this such an exciting project for CUREE and for the education system as a whole."

If you are interested in contributing to this work, please email us at evidence@qca.org.uk

Publications

QCA has published a range of reports produced through our evidence gathering and curriculum work which can be viewed, downloaded and ordered from the link on the left hand side of this page.

Talking to young people

QCA consults with a range of young people through various means to ensure that their views of the curriculum are heard and contribute to curriculum development. Find out more

Talking to parents

QCA consults with parents and carers to ensure that their views of the curriculum are heard and contribute to curriculum development. Find out more

Talking to employers

QCA recognises employers are key stakeholders and hold valuable opinions about the curriculum and future changes. Find out more

Thinking primary

QCA is committed to making teaching and learning an inspiring experience in the primary phase. We want to play a central role in discussions on next steps for the primary curriculum, which means finding out what's happening now and what can make a difference.

The Secretary of State has asked Sir Jim Rose to lead an independent review of the primary curriculum.

Throughout this review, Sir Jim will be closely supported by QCA. QCA is gathering the evidence for the review and managing the associated consultations. To find out more about this work, and get involved, visit our thinking primary pages.

International research

QCA is committed to finding out more about the curriculum in other countries. One aspect of this work is QCA's International Review of Curriculum and Assessment Frameworks Internet Archive (INCA). To find out more about INCA, or other work that QCA is doing in this important arena visit our international curriculum page.

Have your say

We are always interested in your opinions and collect views on a range of topics. The current hot topic is assessment and we want to know what teachers think. Contribute your views at Have your say.