Category Archives: Educational Developments
Is education broken?
Looking at the headlines, it seems so. For a start, we have pupils in a complete mess in reaction to exam stress: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/school-pupil-mental-health-exams-school-pressure-national-education-union-neu-a8297366.html Then we have a crisis in teacher retention: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/teachers-crisis-education-leaving-profession-jobs-market-droves-who-would-be-one-a7591821.html I saw somewhere a suggestion that paying teachers … Continue reading
How’s this for bonkers?
The fact we’re coming up to A-level results soon set me browsing for educational news, and I found this gem: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/students-should-choose-own-grades-reduce-stress-school-university-professor-dr-richard-ricky-watson-a7884596.html I am thoroughly relieved to see that this guy’s university have told him in no uncertain terms that his … Continue reading
SATs and all that
Just read that the NUT conference supported the suggestion of a boycott on SATs in primary schools. I am, of course, glad to see teachers making a stand on an educational matter, and prioritising pupils’ welfare. I certainly agree with … Continue reading
“More maths teachers”
Although obviously the sheer horror of Betsy DeVos’s appointment in the US inevitably trumps anything home grown, I couldn’t help finding myself seriously incensed by this article:- https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-views/acute-shortage-excellent-maths-teachers-down-government-heres-my He wants the most selective maths degree courses to become less selective. … Continue reading
Another universal panacea…
BBC Education News is reporting on the introduction of the “Asian Maths Method” to primary schools. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not against new approaches, whether they are from Asia, Mars, or the next classroom along. We should always … Continue reading
A rant on exams
This is undoubtedly a sign I am now a permanent resident of Grumpy Old Woman land, rather than just a frequent visitor – but I am fed up with people moaning about exams. Not only do I hear these complaints … Continue reading
State-sponsored religious indoctrination?
There’s an alarmist title. No, nothing going on overseas – it’s the latest comment from our Education Secretary who says schools must teach that we are “a Christian country“. I tried to calm myself down after reading the headline. OK, be … Continue reading
Choice
We’ve been having a bit of discussion at school recently about how much choice we should be giving the kids in their GCSE options. It’s something that arouses quite strong feelings (mind you, put a load of teachers together discussing … Continue reading
Selection
There’s been a lot of discussion of the proposed new grammar school (or rather “grammar school extension”) in Sevenoaks being approved (eg here). Not impressed with the weasel words claiming that it’s not a new school. In practice, it is. … Continue reading
Technology and all that
I see the BBC education site is leading with “Computers do not improve pupil results“. My first reaction is “well, who knew?”. Although I’m very far from being a technophobe – indeed I’ve been described as a “gadget queen” before … Continue reading
The Accidental Teacher 