Schools and academy trusts are being invited to bid for a share of £7 million in funding to produce lesson resources for Oak National Academy’s second round of subjects.
The curriculum body has published a Prior Information Notice on its website today for an initial round of procurement for a second tranche of subjects.
The second open procurement is expected to open in autumn 2023 for resources that are set to launch in September 2024.
The subjects Oak will be procuring for in the second tranche are modern foreign languages (MFL) (French, Spanish and German), religious education, computing, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education, physical education, design and technology, art and design and citizenship.
Oak will also be seeking a curriculum partner for primary music and secondary geography, which were part of the first tranche of subjects but were not awarded to a curriculum partner after it said that no supplier met the quality standards needed.
The proposed lots cover primary and secondary, except citizenship, which is secondary only.
MFL comprises French and Spanish for key stage two, with French, Spanish and German for KS3 and KS4. Primary computing will be for KS2 only.
Oak will also host webinars on 4 and 11 July for those interested in becoming curriculum partners.
The proposed value for the first tranche of subjects - for which procurement began last year - was £8 million.
Oak has said that it hopes the resources will act as an ”adaptable starting point for curriculum and lesson planning, helping reduce workload pressures across our schools”.
Earlier this year, Oak revealed that it would no longer refer to its resources as “complete” or “finished” lessons, in what a school leaders’ union branded an attempt to “deflect criticism of government centralisation of the curriculum”.
Matt Hood, chief executive officer of Oak, said: “We’re delighted to start the work to find new partners to create high-quality curricula and resources in a wider mix of subjects.
“Building on the diverse range of partners we’re working with in the core subjects, we’re keen to encourage organisations with expertise from across the sector to get involved. From schools and trusts to subject associations, publishers, charities and more, we have funding to support your work.
“If you have a great curriculum and resources in any of these subjects, sign up for a webinar to find out more.
“We know teachers struggle to find high-quality, adaptable and affordable resources, and the importance of schools offering a broad and balanced range of subjects to their pupils.
“We hope our improved offer in these subjects will act as an adaptable starting point for curriculum and lesson planning, helping reduce workload pressures across our schools.”
