The BBC is inviting views from licence payers on proposals for a new education service with the publication of a consultation document (Monday, 11 September).

BBC Chairman Sir Christopher Bland, writing in the introduction to the document, said: "This booklet sets out plans for a new and comprehensive online resource for schoolchildren, their teachers and parents - a 'digital curriculum'. The plans are ambitious. We believe that they have the potential to help raise educational standards throughout the UK."

He said the BBC was answerable to licence payers for the services the BBC provides. In particular, it had a commitment to consult before starting any new public service.

The document provides details and explanation of the proposed new education service. Known as a 'digital curriculum', the service would cater for:

  • children of all ages and abilities

  • all parts of the UK

  • all main subjects


The new service would be designed in co-operation with education and curriculum specialists. It would take six years fully to introduce every aspect although it would be in place for September 2001. This is a major project and the BBC seeks the opportunity to collaborate with other content providers in developing the service.

Teachers and pupils would be able to use the system in a variety of ways, with individual computers or an 'interactive whiteboard' - a large computer screen which allows the teaching of a whole class.

The digital curriculum would give teachers the facility to customise material for individual pupils and keep track of progress. It would also be available for use at home and in local centres in the community, as well as the classroom. Supporting it would be home-learning activities for children and guides for parents. The service would be delivered primarily through the Internet, but it would also be adapted for interactive digital television. As technology develops, the aim would be to ensure its availability by all possible means.

The proposals offer a public service covering the full range of main primary and secondary school subjects. To be developed over the next six years, the proposed list of subjects are:

  • At primary level: English language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Expressive Arts, Design & Technology

  • At secondary level: English Language & Literature, Maths, Sciences, History, Geography, French, German, Design & Technology, Religious Education, Expressive Arts, Personal, Social & Health Education and Business Studies.

  • At post-16 level: English, Maths, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies, General Studies.


The BBC has commissioned research into curricular variations across the UK, and will ensure there is material to meet the needs of children in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where these differ.

Sir Christopher continued: "Since the BBC's involvement in a digital curriculum would constitute a new public service, we need to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport before going ahead, and we will only ask for this after we have your responses to our ideas.

"This consultation is only the first step in listening to what potential users have to say about the plans. If our plans are approved, we will continue to listen to your views over the coming years as we develop the service."

The document can be obtained by phoning 0808 100 4900 or the questionnaire can be completed online at bbc.co.uk/consult. The document will be available in main public libraries. The BBC is automatically sending it to a wide range of groups representing licence payers, including parliamentarians and other opinion formers, education professionals, interest and consumer groups, as well as individuals who have previously expressed an active interest in broadcast matters. A summary leaflet will be sent to every school in the UK.

Written responses to the document should be sent to: Southbank - DC, FREEPOST (BS 7607), Silverhill, Rudgeway, Bristol BS35 3YA by Friday, October 20 2000.

This will be the fourth major public consultation of the BBC's new services. The BBC consulted on its digital television services in 1997, its online services in 1998 and plans for new and enhanced public services in 1999. The BBC's approach to the new broadcasting landscape has been influenced by the views expressed during all three consultations.