Marcus Rashford’s social media strategy added to GCSE curriculum

The impact of Marcus Rashford’s media strategy will be included in the syllabus of the AQA exam board.

That means that pupils starting GCSE media studies this year will study the impact of Marcus Rashford’s important role as an influencer.

The syllabus will focus on the footballer and food campaigner’s use of social media to speak out on free school meals and racism in sport.

Last year, the Manchester United and England forward was awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable children during the pandemic.

Rashford has used his high profile to reduce the stigma surrounding free school meals.

He helped out at a food bank warehouse and talked openly of his own experience of relying on free lunches at school.

Rashford has successfully used social media to promote his campaigns on child food poverty and ensure all pupils have access to books.

He became the youngest person to top the Sunday Times Giving List by raising £20 million in donations from supermarkets for groups tackling child poverty.

Rashford, who received free school meals himself, was made an MBE in the delayed 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Sandra Allan, AQA’s head of curriculum for creative arts, said: “I’m really excited by the changes we’ve made – they’re engaging and relevant and will inspire and motivate.

“Marcus Rashford is one of the most influential and inspirational young people in the UK, so students can learn a huge amount from how he uses social media to make a real impact.

“It’s not just an opportunity for them to learn about social media – it’s also a great way to learn about important social and race issues as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the curriculum.”

She added: “There has never been a better time to become a media studies student.”