Children in primary school with now receive education on “the skills needed to get on with life’”says the government after it announced the reforms to the curriculum.

Secondary schools will also be expected to introduce further testing to ensure that children struggling with core literacy are supported.

The changes were made following recommendations of a report made by Professor Becky Francis.

The “Revitalised Curriculum” is a part of the prime minister’s targets to give young people the skills needed “to get on with life”.

Primary school children will be taught essential online tools such as how to spot fake news and understand online dangers.

Secondary schools will have to introduce standard reading testing in year eight so that these who need support are spotted before it is too late.

The new reforms aim to give students confidence and give them further skills to join the competitive job market.

The new curriculum will fully published by spring 2027.

Colden Common are level on points with Whitchurch United, but stay second due to goal difference, after a 4-1 win against Blackfield & Langley. 

That win now sees the Stallions undefeated in their last six league games – they’ve won five in a row. 

But it was Colden Common that were behind, following James Egeland-Jensen’s attempt to clear the ball that was deflected in by striker Ashton Goodger

However, the Watersiders’ lead was short-lived.

Steve Kings’ side turned the game around in just five minutes, going from trailing 1-0 to leading 2-1, thanks to Jimmy Walters’ goal from a corner and Cal Archer’s lob over Jack James.

Despite surrendering their 1-0 lead and falling behind, Blackfield had a chance to level the score immediately, but Daniel Reynolds’ effort was directed wide.

Colden Common continued to pile the pressure on but couldn’t find the back of the net, as Joao Ferreira fired his effort straight at the keeper

And even in the early stages of the second-half, Colden Common struggled to find the back of the net in the early stages of the second half, with Ferrieia and Walters both failing to convert close-range. However, from a resulting corner, Cam Stone’s delivery was met by defender Will Erdinc, who nodded home to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Two minutes later, Erdinc’s pinpoint pass found Ben Sunley, who opted to shoot rather than pass to Walters, but his effort was dragged wide. 

The chances kept coming. Erdinc thought he’d grab a second, but his header was directed wide of the post.

Six minutes later, Erdinc turned provider, when he picked out Sunley, who found the back of the net and seemingly wrapped up the game. 

Colden Common pushed for a fifth late on, but a series of chances fell to nothing. Walters found Ferreira, but James made a great low save. Sammy Middleton’s effort from range flew wide, while Josh Bowerman’s strike was comfortably kept out. The game’s final chance saw Josh Harvey-Grey’s free kick, which looked to curl into the top corner, but was palmed away. 

Next up for the Stallions, it’s a midweek trip to United Services Portsmouth, in the third round of the Wessex League Cup.

Performing arts education isn’t just about learning to act, dance, or sing – it’s vital in developing many young people’s confidence and self-expression.

In a digital age where young people are spending more time on their devices than ever before, theatre education provides lifelong skills like communication, resilience and teamwork.  

I caught up with some of the students at Artisan Theatre School, a Hampshire based youth theatre club, to see if this rings true.  

Ben, 18, said his time at theatre school has “helped develop people skills” and made him “a more confident person”.

He urged other young people to “get involved and enjoy it!”

Daniel, 17, shared a similar sentiment saying his “confidence has grown a lot”.

Theatre education can open a whole world of new opportunities for young people, giving them the space to discover their talents and explore future career paths.

Lucy, 17, has attended Artisan Theatre School for nine years and said: “I want to be a performer in some capacity.”

She added: “That’s my dream because of Artisan.”  

Emma, a singing teacher at the school, said performing arts education is “beneficial to anyone,” not just those pursuing it professionally.

She added it can be especially valuable for children with SEN, helping them build confidence, improve communication, and “come out of their shell” in a supportive environment. 

Unfortunately, despite its benefits, arts education is not guaranteed for every young person.

Cuts to funding over the last decade has had a significant impact, limiting access to creative learning opportunities.

The Cultural Learning Alliance’s 2025 report reveals a 42% decrease in Creative Arts based GCSE entries since 2010, and a 27% decline in the number of Arts teachers.  

Sam Blackwell, principal and founder of Artisan Theatre School, said arts education is “really important” and that “they don’t do enough of it in schools”.

She explained that her vision in creating the school was to “give back more to kids and get them being confident”.

To help fill the gaps left by reduced arts provision in schools, Sam plans to introduce additional classes and offer increased opportunities for her students to learn from industry professionals.