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Friday 20
00 February
Month 2014
2015
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| No.
xxxx
5134
| £1.90
| £1.90
T H I N K E D U C AT E S H A R E
Paul O’Grady: ‘I
thought I was thick’
Night-night,
sleep tight…
…and don’t let the nasty
teaching dreams bite
Ed Miliband promises a
new beginning for teachers
Philosophy is a ‘screaming
silence in the curriculum’,
says AC Grayling
George the Poet: every
statistic hides a story
Should we replace Ofsted with peer review?
tescontents
4 Editorial
5 This week, next week
6 News
20 Comment
23 Letters
We greet
teaching dreams
as unwelcome
guests. But
could they be 30
preparing us for
the classroom?
Feature, page 24
30 ‘She gave me my first break’
Paul O’Grady arrived at secondary school bearing the scars of a brutal primary education. He
was spurred on by a magnificent English teacher – who unwittingly unleashed his inner rebel
30 My best teacher:
Paul O’Grady, comedian
and TV presenter
33 Professional
20 End of story
People’s experiences can’t be reduced to numbers, writes spoken-word artist George the Poet.
44 Further We must fight narratives based on gender, culture and race so that every student can achieve
70 A day in the life
71 Quiz 46 Skills? They’re multiplying
It’s boom time for apprenticeships, argues FE’s Stewart Segal – but the celebrations can wait.
36 Without continued energy and investment, all we’ve gained could soon be lost
48
news
s 52
GETTY�ALAMY COVER:GETTY�REX�ALAMY
For breaking news, 46
views from the world
of education and
regular podcasts, visit Next week Daniel Willingham
news.tesconnect.com In an exclusive extract from his new book, the psychology professor asks: who should win the
reading wars? He sets phonics against whole-word strategies to decide the ultimate victor
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 3
EDITORIAL
The educational benefits
of sticking your nose in
EDITOR AND DIGITAL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
Ann Mroz
PA TO THE EDITOR
Maria Machli (020 3194 3113)
DEPUTY EDITOR
Ed Dorrell (ed.dorrell@tesglobal.com)
NEWS EDITOR
David Marley (david.marley@tesglobal.com)
COMMISSIONING EDITOR
Jon Severs (jon.severs@tesglobal.com)
PRODUCTION EDITOR
“PHILOSOPHY,” AC GRAYLING once spurred the redoubtable Grayling to Isla McMillan
said, “gives you a licence to stick your lobby for another cause: he is to launch CREATIVE DIRECTOR
nose into everything.” a campaign to introduce a GCSE for Alex Morgan
It’s a belief that the renowned philosophy in its own right, and he has
philosopher and humanist adheres to even offered to help design the course DEPUTY FEATURES AND COMMENT EDITOR
religiously. When he was unhappy that (see page 10). Richard Vaughan (richard.vaughan@tesglobal.com)
the humanities were under threat in our Grayling thinks that, given the ACTING DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
state-funded universities, he opened his choice, young people would opt for Stephen Exley (stephen.exley@tesglobal.com)
own private institution to teach them. philosophy over RE, choosing to
Now, along with many religious challenge the credo rather than learning DEPUTY PRODUCTION EDITOR
Abigail Sanderson
education teachers, he is unhappy it. “In RE,” he says, “you’re told what
with the government’s reform of the RE the doctrines are, but in philosophy CHIEF DESIGNER
GCSE and A-level. And once again he is everything discussed is a matter for Dan Sinclair
taking action – it would seem that for intellectual search and discussion.”
REPORTERS
Grayling the word “can’t” is just a dead The desire to teach young people Adi Bloom, Darren Evans, William Stewart,
German philosopher. how to think, question and challenge is Helen Ward, Kaye Wiggins
The revised religious studies syllabus nothing new. French writer Michel de
focuses more on religion (at least Montaigne beat Grayling to it by more SUB�EDITORS
Zofia Niemtus, Amy Smith (senior sub-editor)
50 per cent of the weighting is on the than 400 years when he asked: “Since
study of world faiths), squeezes the philosophy is the art which teaches us DESIGNERS
philosophy and ethics elements, and how to live, and since children need to Jen Cogan, Aga Collis, Nigel Jones
does not include humanism, despite a learn it as much as we do at other ages, FEATURES ASSISTANT
concerted effort by humanists to have it why do we not instruct them in it?” Chloe Darracott-Cankovic
represented (bit.ly/NoHumanism). For Grayling describes his proposed
Grayling, this absence of philosophy philosophy GCSE course as a “valuable TES GLOBAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Louise Rogers
teaching at GCSE indicates a “screaming backbone to the educational process”.
silence in the curriculum”. He’s not wrong: a focus on critical TES GLOBAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Ironically, it has been philosophy and thinking and logic helps in every Rob Grimshaw
ethics that have driven the popularity subject on the curriculum.
CLASSIFIED SALES
of RE at key stages 4 and 5 in recent Children and young people are by 020 3194 3050 or tescustomerservices@tesglobal.com
years. But it would seem that these their very nature inquisitive; it’s a trait
elements are now being sacrificed on that we should nurture and encourage. DISPLAY AND EVENTS SALES
the altar of “British values”. We want them to have the confidence 020 3194 3025 or display@tesglobal.com
The revised content, the Department and skills to give them that licence to MARKETING DIRECTOR
for Education explained on announcing challenge and to stick their noses Christina Watson (christina.watson@tesglobal.com)
the consultation on the reforms, would into everything.
“help to prepare students for life in Intellectual enquiry is fundamental SUBSCRIPTIONS
0844 543 0064
modern Britain through developing an to everything we do. All young people
awareness of fundamental British values should have the opportunity to study LETTERS AND COMMENTS
such as respect and tolerance for those the works of such philosophy greats as letters@tesglobal.com
of different faiths and none; values Descartes, Plato and Hume, as well as To email any staff, use the format name.surname@tesglobal.com
which are a vital part of a secure metaphysics. After all, it’s their curiosity
TES Global Ltd
future for Britain”. that may one day kill Schrödinger’s cat. 26 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4HQ
This diminution of philosophy has ann.mroz@tesglobal.com T 020 3194 3000
4 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015
This week 1 4 �2 0 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 1 �2 7 F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 5 Next week
SAT U R DAY SAT UR DAY
IN THE NAUGHTY CORNER GENERATION X
A Pennsylvania school district admitted Malcolm X, the black nationalist leader
that five middle-school pupils had been who once called for a “blacks-only” state
mistakenly given word searches based on in the US, was assassinated 50 years ago
Fifty Shades of Grey. The puzzles included today. The 39-year-old was shot as he spoke
references to spanking and bondage. to followers near Harlem, in New York City.
15
SU N DAY SU NDAY
UNDAY
SWEEPING THE BOARDS MOVIES AND SHAKERS
Theatrical achievement was recognised It’s Oscars night. Favourites for best picture
at the annual WhatsOnStage Awards. at the 87th Academy Awards include
Miss Saigon received a record nine gongs, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, which tracks a
while David Tennant and Billie Piper were six-year-old to adulthood, taking in family
named best actor and best actress. fissures and teen romance on the way.
fissures
23
M O N DAY M O NDAY
KATE’S CRUSADE HELLO SUNSHINE
The first ever Place2Be Children’s Mental The best age to start school and the
Health Week started today. Backed by the disadvantages for summer-born pupils
Duchess of Cambridge, the campaign are to be considered by the Commons
promotes counselling and encourages Education Select Committee. Today is the
children to talk openly about their feelings. last chance to submit written evidence.
T U E S DAY T UES
U ES DAY
ON THE FLIP SIDE MAXIMUM CHILLAGE
New year’s resolutions to join the gym Looking forward to the joys of spring? Don’t
finally paid off on Shrove Tuesday, when get ahead of yourself. Sixty years ago today
biceps were tested by enthusiastic tossers Britain was in the grip of a “big freeze” that
and pancake races took place all over led to 30ft snow drifts and the RAF being
the country. drafted in to drop emergency supplies.
18
W E D N E SDAY WEDNES DAY
TOGETHER AGAINST TERROR BEST OF BRITISH
The White House hosted a summit on Another night of glamour and gongs, this
countering violent extremism. It highlighted time for music as the annual Brit Awards
domestic and international efforts to take place in London. Contenders for this
prevent extremists and their supporters year’s accolades include Mark Ronson,
from radicalising and recruiting others. Lily Allen, Damon Albarn and Alt-J.
19 26
TH U R S DAY T HU R S DAY
SMALL CHANGE THE ONLY WAY IS UP
One for those who dream of moulding the The Office for National Statistics will
youngest, most impressionable minds: the publish the latest figures on young people
Department for Education held an online who are not in education, employment or
open day for anyone interested in training training (known as Neets). Recent trends
as an early years teacher. indicate that the number is falling.
27
FR I DAY FR IDAY
SLAVE TO THE WAVE BESIDE THE SEASIDE
ALAMY�REX�ISTOCK�GETTY
Surfers are gathering for a predicted Ukip begins its spring conference next
five-star Severn Bore. And, no, “bore” to the golden sands of Margate, Kent.
isn’t the collective noun for water sports Education policies from the anti-EU party
enthusiasts. It’s a surge wave in the river’s include allowing all secondaries to apply
estuary that can reach up to 2.8m. to become selective grammar schools.
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 5
tesnews
POLITICS
NAILING HIS COLOURS TO THE MAST: Miliband said Labour would address concerns about inspection, but insisted Ofsted was ‘fundamental’
‘We’re offering a new
beginning to teachers’
Ed Miliband tells TES that Labour would end ‘war’ on profession
R I C H A R D V A U G H A N
ED MILIBAND has promised a “new beginning” for teachers order to reinvest the money in the classroom.
and pledged to end what he called the government’s “war” on But it was the government’s relationship with the profession
the profession should his party win May’s general election. that required the closest attention, Mr Miliband said. “We’re
In an exclusive interview with TES, the Labour leader said he offering a new beginning,” he claimed. “I’m not saying every
would re-establish trust between the government and teachers Labour minister [under the last administration] was universally
by listening to concerns about Ofsted, workload and the cur- loved by every stakeholder, but the hatred for [Michael] Gove…
riculum. Schools should “liberate” young people and offer a You cannot meet a teacher without them saying, ‘That man!’
news wide range of creative subjects, which have been “denigrated”
under the coalition, he said.
“He has managed to instil a sense of hatred among the profes-
sion, which is truly a remarkable achievement. So I think partly
For breaking news, In his first major interview on education since becoming we are saying to teachers there will be a new start.
views from the world Labour leader in 2010, Mr Miliband said he would take teach- “Respect is the foundation,” he added. “A war on teachers,
ers’ concerns about the variable quality of inspection to which is what Gove and Gove-in-all-but-name mean, is totally
of education and Ofsted, but he insisted that the watchdog was “fundamental to disastrous.”
regular podcasts, visit a good school system”. In comments that are likely to prove The Labour offering would include a reversal of the current
news.tesconnect.com contentious, he also said that a Labour government would government’s approach to creative subjects such as the arts,
GETTY
claw back “excessive” cash reserves held by academies in drama and music, which many teachers believe have been
6 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015
sidelined in the curriculum. Mr Miliband said coalition minis-
ters had forgotten that “education is for life”, adding: “What
they have done to creative subjects is terrible, I mean really
terrible. It’s a denigration of creative subjects, the arts subjects News at a glance
and so on…This point about school being about an education
for life is fundamental.
“As prime minister, I will be really deeply engaged in edu- European universities invited to join Ucas
cation. I’m a parent, I care a lot about it – it’s such a source of Sixth-formers will soon be able to apply to study degrees in
liberation for people. And I’ll engage with the profession.” countries throughout Europe via the Universities and Colleges
The Labour leader pointed to the fact that almost 50,000 Admissions Service (Ucas). Currently, students must contact
teachers had left the workforce in the past year as an indict- overseas institutions directly, but Ucas has decided to allow higher
ment of the government’s track record on schools. education providers across the European Union to join its service.
A major factor behind the exodus was teachers’ overwhelming About 30,000 UK students take up undergraduate places abroad
workload, Mr Miliband added, which had been created by the each year, and Ucas’ announcement could open up access to popular
coalition’s reforms. Ministers, he said, had adopted an approach universities in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and
of “creative destruction” to education policy, with “no notice, Finland. Universities applying to join Ucas must “demonstrate that
no consultation, no dialogue, throwing everything up in the air they meet equivalent standards to those in the UK”.
and seeing where it lands”.
With just 75 days until the general election, other party I care a lot about Poorest hit hardest as creativity is ‘squeezed out’
leaders have also set out their stalls on education. A poll by education – it’s such Creativity and the arts are being “squeezed out” of schools, with
The Guardian and ICM revealed on Monday that education a source of liberation pupils from low-income families hardest hit, according to a major
is the fourth most important issue for the public, behind the for people. And I’ll report. A commission led by the University of Warwick to examine
NHS, the economy and immigration. engage with the the value of culture in British society warns that the most deprived
Earlier this month, prime minister David Cameron promised profession students are missing out on opportunities in the creative industries.
a “war on mediocrity”, announcing that any school rated “re- The report (bit.ly/FutureCulture), drawn up by academics and
quires improvement” by Ofsted could be turned into an academy cultural leaders, calls for evidence of “excellent cultural and creative
or undergo a forced change in leadership. Liberal Democrat education” to be a prerequisite for an “outstanding” Ofsted grading.
leader Nick Clegg has also spoken out on education, pledging It also urges the creation of a dedicated arts and culture pupil
to protect funding for 3-19 learners in real terms. premium, similar to the £450 million PE premium for primary schools.
The government also launched the Workload Challenge in an
attempt to cut working hours and win back support. Allow good grammars to grow, PM urges
Last week, Mr Miliband made his biggest education speech to Grammar schools should be allowed to expand, according to David
date, pledging to protect the education budget in real terms and Cameron. The prime minister described the issue of grammar
limit infant class sizes. He also issued a “call to arms” asking schools as an “electoral albatross” for his party before he came
the thousands of teachers who have left the job to return. to power, but this week he o�ered a more positive message to
Speaking to TES, he promised to examine the interaction proponents of selective education. “I strongly support the right of
between schools and Ofsted. “We will engage with Ofsted on all good schools to expand,” he said. “I think that’s very important
this [issue of the quality of inspection] and the relationship with and that should include grammar schools. Under this government,
the profession,” he said. “I think I understand the feeling of grammar schools have been able to expand and that is all to the
teachers on this. Inspectorates are never going to be wildly pop- good.” Mr Cameron’s intervention came as education secretary Nicky
ular, I’m sure there’s always better dialogue that can happen, but Morgan was considering a bid by Weald of Kent Grammar School to
I think it [Ofsted] is really important – the nature of having an establish an “annexe” in nearby Sevenoaks, which would e�ectively
inspectorate is really fundamental to a good school system.” be the first new grammar school to open in 50 years.
Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT headteachers’
union, welcomed Mr Miliband’s conciliatory approach, but said China aims high with 6,000 football schools
the close links between the Labour Party and the teaching pro- China has announced plans to establish 6,000 specialist football
fession via trade unions created problems. schools to transform the fortunes of its national team. Despite being
“They have to walk that difficult line between saying what the the most populous country in the world, China’s men’s team is
profession wants to hear and saying what the public wants to ranked joint 82nd, alongside Guatemala. Schools have shied away
hear,” he said. “A lot of teachers are looking for a white knight. from o�ering football coaching because of fears that students will
[Labour’s] Tristram Hunt can’t be that and be a credible secre- be injured, according to Wang Dengfeng, chief of the education
tary of state.” ministry’s department of physical, health and arts education.
Schools in China will be able to apply for the status if football
What Labour has pledged on education accounts for at least a quarter of its PE classes each week.
Protect overall education teacher status. Martin Sheen will tell pupils to ‘change the world’
spending “in real terms”. Ensure character education Award-winning US actor Martin Sheen (left) will address thousands
Cap infant class sizes at 30. is taught in all schools. of pupils and teachers at the second annual We Day UK next
Start a “standards challenge”, Recouple AS- and A-levels. month. On 5 March, 12,000 pupils and teachers will gather
based on the London End the free-school at the SSE Arena in Wembley, London, to hear activists
Challenge, in every region. programme and introduce and celebrities talk about their passion for social
Appoint directors of school parent-led academies. change. “This generation’s conviction to speak out
standards to oversee local Guarantee an apprenticeship about issues that they are passionate about will
accountability. for every school leaver. create a chain reaction, generating positive change
Give all schools the freedoms Introduce a Technical around the world,” Sheen said. Participating pupils
enjoyed by academies and Baccalaureate. and teachers earned their free places at We Day
free schools. Ensure all young people by committing to take action on behalf of one local
Ensure every teacher has or study English and maths to and one global cause this year. For more details
is working towards qualified the age of 18. go to www.weday.com/uk
GETTY
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 7
tesnews
S TA F F
What a feeling!
Welding tutor gets
flash of US fame
But singer is back to work after
‘surreal’ brush with celebrity
J U L I A B E L G U T A Y
IT’S NOT uncommon for college lecturers to have a part-time
job to supplement their income. But few lead as remarkable
a double life as Des McCabe.
I was watching At Forth Valley College in Scotland, he works as a fabri-
the video in a daze. cation and welding lecturer. On the other side of the
It wasn’t until the Atlantic, however, Mr McCabe is better known as the
bit where Desmond frontman of chart-topping rock band Dead Man Fall.
Tutu pops up that The 35-year-old’s unlikely brush with fame came after
I woke up his band’s song Bang Your Drum attracted the atten-
tion of Scottish-born Craig Ferguson, presenter of
The Late Late Show in the US. This triggered an
extraordinary series of events, which resulted in the
song hitting the top of the American iTunes rock chart
and being used in a video featuring Hollywood A-listers
Samuel L Jackson, Matthew McConaughey and Quentin Tar-
antino (pictured below).
But despite his band’s international success, Mr McCabe is
now back in his workshop at the college where he has worked
for more than 11 years. “I enjoy welding,” he told TES. “It is an
art that you have to master and a bit of a challenge.”
After playing local gigs for several years without making a DES MCCABE: Welding lecturer by day, chart-topping singer by night
mainstream breakthrough, Dead Man Fall decided to try to
gain some more publicity. “I was watching it in a daze. It wasn’t until the bit where Des-
“One day, we were sitting, talking about how we could get mond Tutu pops up that I woke up.
the [Bang Your Drum
Drum] video seen and we wondered who “Shortly after the video was shown, the song started making
we could tweet it to – and then Craig Ferguson’s name came its way up the charts,” he added. “It went all the way to number
up. We tweeted him the link to the song and he then posted one in the American iTunes rock chart and there were thou-
it on his timeline,” Mr McCabe said. sands of downloads.”
Shortly afterwards, one of his bandmates received a phone The lecturer has kept his feet on the ground, however. “We are
call, inviting the band to appear on The all quite pragmatic,” he said. “We just knew it was something
Show. “The band member who
Late Late Show that was good to have on our CV and we hope it will lead to
found out fi rst couldn’t reach us for a
first exciting opportunities this year.”
while and he said that was the closest Not surprisingly, the college’s learners have also been excited
he had ever felt to spontaneous combus- by their tutor’s success. “It’s all quite surreal,” said welding and
tion,” Mr McCabe said. fabrication student Callum Neeson. “We’re all really proud of
However, it appeared that the dream what Des has achieved though; it’s nice to see someone you
would be dashed when the band were know become so successful.”
unable to secure US visas in time. But the Students and staff at Forth Valley College have even made
show’s producers then came back with their own version of the music video in recognition of the
another idea: they would put together band’s efforts.
their own video for the song. Principal Ken Thomson said: “We are all so proud of Des and
The result, which marked Mr what he has achieved with his band Dead Man Fall. It was a
Ferguson’s fi nal appearance as
final very nice gesture for him to allow us to use the song for our
host of the show in December, own film.”
starred celebrities including And although it is now back to the day job for Mr McCabe, he
Pierce Brosnan, Mila Kunis, Kevin hasn’t quite come to terms with the roller coaster of the past
Bacon and Lisa Kudrow. few weeks. “Watching the video now, it doesn’t really sink in
“We didn’t get to see the video that that is my voice,” he said.
until about an hour before every-
GETTY
one else saw it,” Mr McCabe said. Watch the video at www.tesconnect.com/BangYourDrum
8 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015
tesnews
Q UA L I F I C AT I O N S
AC Grayling seeks
to fill philosophy’s
‘screaming silence’
He will campaign for a GCSE
to rival reformed RE courses
K A Y E W I G G I N S
Keeping ‘that edge’ PHILOSOPHER AC Grayling is to campaign for the intro-
duction of a philosophy GCSE in the wake of controversial ENQUIRING MIND: AC Grayling believes his GCSE would prove popular
Jon Jones, head of theology reforms to religious education, TES can reveal.
and philosophy at Wallington Professor Grayling believes the lack of philosophy at GCSE what the doctrines are, but in philosophy everything discussed
High School for Girls in level is a “screaming silence in the curriculum” and is confident is a matter for intellectual search and discussion,” he added. “If
Surrey, is confident that that a dedicated qualification would prove popular with pupils students had a choice between philosophy and RE, it would be
schools would opt for a and teachers. interesting to see what they plumped for. I assume more would
philosophy GCSE. The founder of the New College of the Humanities, a private choose the philosophy course.”
“The idea that 50 per cent university in London, is concerned that changes to the RE cur- Professor Grayling and Dr Taylor have written to education
of the RE qualification has to riculum have squeezed out space for wider thought. Professor secretary Nicky Morgan to make their case. The qualification
be on world religions is a bit Grayling wants pupils to take on the works of Plato, Descartes would be “a critical thinking and logic GCSE, but applied to the
of a backwards step,” he says. and Hume, and says the GCSE should include the study of greater questions about how we think about things, which is
“What students like about metaphysics, ethics and the theory of knowledge. absolutely central to all enquiry”, Professor Grayling told TES.
the way we deliver RE is the Under government plans published last week, at least 50 per “Everything else students are doing in school is covered by
engagement with deep ethical cent of the weighting of the new religious studies GCSE will these topics, so it would be a valuable backbone to the educa-
and philosophical questions. come from the study of one or two faiths. Previously, schools tional process,” he added.
“To give up curriculum time had more freedom to teach philosophy and ethics topics as The author and editor of more than 30 books also said the
to learning facts about religion the majority of the syllabus. course would “mitigate against extremism” among students, by
feels like sidelining what has The campaign for a dedicated philosophy qualification will “challenging people to say, ‘Why do I think these things, what
made RE really popular, and be officially launched at a conference at Rugby School in War- justifies that view [and] does it stand up to scrutiny?’ ”
could deter students. wickshire next month. Dr John Taylor, head of philosophy at Dennis Brown, head of religion and philosophy at Manchester
“I’ve been in touch with Rugby, is working with Professor Grayling on the campaign. Grammar School, said: “RE as a subject has expanded hugely,
schools in the area, and several “It has only been since the discussion of a reformed RE course but most of the interest isn’t in world religions but in philo-
would consider moving away that this campaign has started to build momentum,” Dr Taylor sophy and ethics. If there were a philosophy GCSE, we’d pick
from RE and towards said. “RE has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, up a lot more students.”
philosophy because they mainly because of the element of philosophy and ethics that A DfE spokesman said: “The new GCSE content requires
don’t want to lose that edge.” has been woven in. I think part of what’s driving concern among students to have an understanding of the beliefs, teachings and
RE teachers is that, if you look at the revised content, then practices of two religions but still allows them to spend up to
there’s clearly less space for that.” 50 per cent of the course studying philosophy and ethics.” This
Professor Grayling said he had already received “a lot of inter- provided “young people with a knowledge and understanding
GETTY
est” from the government and exam boards. “In RE you’re told of the diversity of beliefs in Great Britain”, he added.
SCIENCE HUMANITIES
ENGLISH MODERN FOREIGN
MATHS LANGUAGES
HISTORY ICT/COMPUTING
GEOGRAPHY DESIGN AND
TECHNOLOGY
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
ARTS: MUSIC,
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ART AND DRAMA
JOIN US FROM 9.30AM AT ST JAMES SCHOOL, SUMMER LANE, EXETER EX4 8NN | TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT WWW.STJAMESEXETER.CO.UK
10 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015By the numbers
SCHOOL BUILDINGS allocated to 277 schools this year. Large refurbishment and rebuilding programmes such as new kitchens.
The announcement follows a report projects are just part of the Department In Scotland, 67 schools have been or
Funds to repair leaking roofs and from the Royal Institute of British for Education’s capital spending. In 2014, are due to be built under a £1.25 billion
crumbling buildings are an essential part Architects that calls for more investment the DfE was allocated £5 billion in capital programme that began in 2010 and
of the education budget. The government in schools and claims 80 per cent are spending, which includes funds devolved will continue until 2018. The Scottish
announced last week that £6 billion has operating beyond their life cycle. A report to local authorities and academies for government said the programme was not
been earmarked for maintaining and published by the government last month ongoing maintenance to buildings, such only good news for students but was also
repairing schools in England for the reveals the ages of school buildings as updating ICT systems and works on a boost to the construction industry.
next three years, with £2 billion (see below). playing fields. Money is also allocated for Helen Ward
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ATTENDING SCHOOLS WHERE HEADTEACHERS FEEL LEARNING IS HINDERED BY BUILDINGS 1
2.4% 5.7%
Sources: 1 What Makes Schools Successful? Resources, Policies and Practices, Volume IV, 2013, OECD, bit.ly/OECDSchoolBuildings; 2 Figures are rounded. Property Data Survey Programme, 2015, Education Funding Agency, bit.ly/SchoolBuildingAge
US AUSTRALIA
10.2% SPAIN BELGIUM
12.5% 3.2%
4.2%
CANADA
POLAND
6.4%
DENMARK
10.1% SOUTH KOREA 6.1% FRANCE
14.9% JAPAN 7.9% GERMANY
13.5% HONG KONG
AGE OF SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND2
�EXCLUDING THOSE BUILT SINCE 2004�
26.1% IRELAND
NURSERY 8%
SECONDARY 5%
SECONDARY 4%
PRIMARY 5%
SECONDARY 37%
SECONDARY 18%
SECONDARY 21%
NURSERY 46%
PRIMARY 30%
NURSERY 16%
PRIMARY 19%
PRIMARY 14%
PRIMARY 17%
NURSERY
NURSERY
12%
11%
POST�1976 1967�76 1945�66 INTER�WAR PRE�1919
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 11tesnews
STEVE EDDISON
TECHNOLOGY
Try a little tenderness
“IT MUST be lovely teaching primary
school children. They’re so sweet at
that age,” Marie says. My wife pats
decisive. As Maisie went off
to summon behaviour support, I
hugged Zoltan to my chest, primarily
‘Educators have
me on the back to stop me choking
on my bruschetta al salmone. Marie
is the wife of my old mate Chopper
to stop him counter-retaliating.
I continued to hug him even when
his raw fury had subsided to a series
an other-worldly
Woods. We played football for the
same pub team back in the days
when football boots, like Ford
of heavy sobs. I doubt hugs feature
much in Zoltan’s day-to-day
experience of physical contact.
responsibility’
Model Ts, only came in black. We Chopper shakes his head and, after
became “friends” again via the pouring himself another large glass Save pupils from data overload,
miracle of Facebook and thought of vino rosso, sets out his own
it would be good to catch up over philosophy for improving school says private school spokesman
a meal at La Bella Nosha. discipline. This begins with the
While Chopper refills our glasses reintroduction of the cane and R I C H A R D V A U G H A N
with vino rosso, I disabuse Marie of extends to the death penalty.
her fairy-tale perception of primary I sigh wearily and explain that SCHOOLS MUST be “privileged places” that give students time
children by rolling up my trouser leg brutality is something that’s already and space away from being “bombarded with data” and
and exposing my right shin. been tried with Zoltan and it doesn’t technology, according to the country’s biggest independent
“Nice bruise,” Chopper says. work. The only thing that hasn’t schools’ group.
“Burly centre half, was it?” been tried is love and affection. At a time when an increasing number of schools are giving
Chopper is dismayed to discover I empty the students their own tablet computers, Dr Kevin Stannard,
that it was courtesy of Zoltan, who ‘If a child remaining vino director of innovation and learning at the Girls’ Day School
is not an oversized thug with a rosso into my Trust, believes that schools should act as a refuge from social
penchant for two-footed tackles is giving glass before media-dominated modern life.
but a slight eight-year-old. “It you a bad acquainting Speaking to TES, Dr Stannard said it was important for
happened while I was trying to Chopper with schools to strike the right balance between preparing their
restrain him,” I explain. day, it’s some facts students for the working world and teaching them to engage in
This morning Zoltan came
to school in one of his less
because about the
physical and
a “deeper” understanding of subject content.
In their haste to keep pace with technological change in other
accommodating moods. Rather than theirs is a emotional sectors, schools must not overlook their primary aim of provid-
taking his coat off to begin learning,
he withdrew deep into its hood and
lot worse’ consequences
of child neglect
ing students with the skills to focus and concentrate, he added.
“In embracing a digital future, schools need to avoid striving
passed the time by repeating my and abuse. I end by reciting a saying to become a pale facsimile version of the ‘real’ world,” Dr
every word. In the forlorn hope that that is used frequently in our school: Stannard said. “Schools need to prepare young people to take
he would get bored, I tried tactically “If a child is giving you a bad day, it’s their place in that world, but as educators we have a wider,
ignoring him and encouraged the because theirs is a lot worse.” other-worldly responsibility.
other students to do the same. Chopper reflects on my words then “In a modular, multitasking, rapidly mutating world, where
They say ignorance is bliss, but it says: “You know what I think?” young people are bombarded with data, schools must stand out
wasn’t. Although it was better than “No, what do you think?” I ask, as privileged places that put value on sustained reflection and
the attention that Ryan gave Zoltan trying to keep the irritation out considered debate.”
when the latter hit him on the head of my voice. He added: “Schools give space for young people to explore
with a triangular prism. Ryan has a “I think we need another bottle ideas, develop understanding, make links between concepts
very low “ignoring” threshold at the of vino rosso.” and engage in a deeper, more considered and more nuanced
best of times, and being abused by a way than is perhaps the case elsewhere, where instant
piece of maths equipment turned out Steve Eddison teaches at responses are needed and attention spans are truncated.”
to be more than he could take. Arbourthorne Community Primary According to a 2014 survey of schools by the British Educa-
His retaliation was swift and School in Sheffield tional Suppliers Association, more than half of primaries and
ALAMY
secondaries now use tablet computers for teaching and
12 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015learning, and a growing number are providing students with London Festival of Education
their own devices.
Some schools that are unable to afford individual devices for Dr Kevin Stannard, pictured, Foundation Kevan Collins;
students are experimenting with allowing children to bring in director of innovation and and Finnish education reform
their own technology, including mobile phones. Many teachers, learning at the Girls’ Day School expert Pasi Sahlberg. Spoken-
however, fear the gadgets could act as a distraction rather than Trust, will be among a host of word artist George the Poet
a learning aid. top names speaking at will also be appearing.
The effect on students’ learning of introducing personal the London The event is aimed
tablets is still largely unknown, according to researchers. As a Festival of at teachers,
result, a host of trials on what works best have been initiated by Education parents, young
groups such as the Education Endowment Foundation. next week. people and
Despite this, schools are regularly urged to equip their TES has policymakers, Schools need to
students with the necessary skills to use such devices. Just teamed and will take avoid striving to
this week a cross-party committee from the House of Lords up with place on become a pale
published a report calling on the next government to place the UCL 28 February facsimile version of
“digital literacy” on a par with reading, writing and maths in a Institute of at the IoE. the ‘real’ world
bid to address the digital skills shortage. Education There will be
Committee chair Baroness Sally Morgan said the report made to host the talks, practical
it clear that the current approach to educating people of all one-day event workshops and
ages “needs a radical rethink”. in central London, a vibrant mix of
“From an early age we need to give digital literacy as much which will explore a wide performances. For tickets
importance as numeracy and literacy,” she said. variety of issues a�ecting and to find out more about
Ian Addison, ICT leader at Riders Infant and Junior School in teachers around the country the event, visit www.london
Hampshire, said it was the teacher’s job to ensure that students as they strive to improve festivalofeducation.com
were ready for the outside world, which meant employing their schools.
social media in the classroom. Joining Dr Stannard on the
He said: “Many schools are now using tools seen in the ‘real festival podium will be shadow
world’, such as Twitter and Instagram, as a platform to show- education secretary Tristram
case learning and promote discussion with others. Hunt; London’s deputy mayor
“I see our role as preparing children for later in life. This incl- for education and culture
udes using a range of technology in different ways but definitely Munira Mirza; chief executive
encompasses keeping children safe online and making sure of the Education Endowment
they consider that their actions may have repercussions.”
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 13tesnews
ASSESSMENT
Don’t let statistics
do all the talking,
says exam board
Cambridge Assessment defends
role of examiners in new GCSEs
W I L L I A M S T E W A R T
ONE OF the country’s biggest exam boards has cast major
doubts on Ofqual’s plans for setting standards in reformed
GCSEs, which could significantly downgrade the role of exam-
iners in deciding grade boundaries. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Ofqual wants statistics to decide grades
The regulator is considering relying far more heavily on statis-
tics to decide the cut-off points between grades in the revamped In 2017, the first year that the new GCSE exams will be taken,
qualifications, as part of its drive to counter grade inflation. Ofqual will use the results of primary school tests sat five years
But senior researchers from Cambridge Assessment, which previously as the key reference point for setting grades.
runs the OCR exam board, have accused Ofqual of overstating The watchdog is undecided as to whether examiner judge-
the evidence against examiners’ judgements. In a paper submit- ments of pupil work should be used again in future. But the
ted to the watchdog, seen by TES, they warn that the regulator Cambridge researchers insist they “should never be discarded”.
has relied on research that “overemphasised” the unreliability “Although there are certainly reasons to avoid using expert
of examiners and “tended to ignore more positive evidence”. judgement as the sole means of maintaining standards, much of
The Cambridge Assessment paper also raises concerns about the existing research used to decry the use of expert judgement
the National Reference Test (NRT), which Ofqual wants to be is more positive about its potential than is often acknowl-
used alongside statistics in GCSE grading decisions. edged,” they write.
The test – which will cover only English and maths – will not Last month, the Association of School and College Leaders
provide a “strong source of evidence for genuine changes in (ASCL) expressed concerns that Ofqual’s plans to base grading
performance in other subjects”, the paper says. This contradicts on historic statistics could lead to similar exam performances
the views of Ofqual chief regulator Glenys Stacey, who has said being awarded different grades in different years. They warned
that the NRT would need to look only at the two core subjects that this would confuse parents and employers, make it hard for
because they are “good predictors of general achievement”. employers and universities to understand what results meant,
news The Cambridge Assessment paper takes issue with a
summary of research by Professor Jo-Anne Baird, director of
and make a mockery of Ofsted’s method of judging schools.
Professor Baird said: “Most standard setting methods include
the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment, statistics and expert examiner judgements. That is also the
For breaking news,
which Ofqual has cited to support its case for moving away case in England today.
views from the world from examiner judgement. “A convincing, evidence-based rationale needs to be made to
of education and The exam board says that the studies used by Professor Baird move away from the statistics. Cambridge Assessment’s rein-
regular podcasts, visit also show that examiners have “a good sense” of how grade terpretation of the existing research does not convince me.”
news.tesconnect.com boundaries should change and that using their judgement is An Ofqual spokesperson said: “Examiner judgement currently
“entirely appropriate” as long as it is informed by statistics. plays a role in the setting of grade boundaries. However, in the
14 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015edcha##er
We bring you discussion, debate For many, half term is a time
and issues from around the to escape to the great outdoors.
web and around the world by @BaconBit86, for example, said:
focusing on the most popular “Teacher destress=walking in
educational hashtags on Twitter the Yorkshire Dales!”
But even during the holidays,
The research Although the #halfterm work is never far away.
used to decry hashtag tends to highlight the @RuSnow8 said of half term:
expert judgement is contrasting fates of relaxed “POSITIVES = walk the
more positive about teachers and stressed-out dog after little lie-in.
its potential than parents, both groups seem to NEGATIVES = marking
is acknowledged tweet about the twin virtues of 44 essays and 66 books.”
Xbox and pizza – for the former @kat_thorpe, meanwhile,
an indulgence, for the latter a was already ploughing
way to keep the kids occupied. through some “Monday
Drinking red wine and napping Morning Marking” with
are also popular half-term the help of The Smiths.
pastimes for educators, such as Inevitably, for every happy
@Darwin09, who tweeted the teacher there’s an envious
words “#teacher #teacher” worker who, like @Rjtlloyd,
new GCSEs, boundary setting will be statistically driven for the alongside a photo of a bottle of @nikkigrinchie and
first year. This is to ensure that no advantage or disadvantage is 2013 Côtes Du Rhone, and @AMPMPALtd, “wish” they
given to students simply through the system changing.” @wawah32, who said: “Alarm were teachers. But probably
He added that Ofqual had invited the Cambridge Assessment set to ‘o�’ and a bottle of red only a few weeks of the year…
researchers to give a presentation on the alternative ways of wine open.” Darren Evans
using examiner judgement that they favoured.
‘The use of evidence in setting and maintaining standards Keep up to date with the latest education
in GCSEs and A-levels’ by Tom Benton and Tom Bramley chat online by following @tes on Twitter
will be published at www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk
REX
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 15tesnews
news RELIGION
For breaking news,
views from the world
of education and Recruitment probe
will cast judgement
regular podcasts, visit
news.tesconnect.com
on faith schools
European Commission to ask if
procedures breach equality rules
K A Y E W I G G I N S
FAITH SCHOOLS in Britain are to be investigated by the Euro-
pean Commission after complaints that they discriminate too
widely on religious grounds when recruiting staff.
Church of England, Catholic and Muslim schools will be scru-
If religious practice tinised to see if expressing a preference for religious teachers
is a ‘desirable’ quality, – and having the right to pay them more than non-believing
then it cannot be a colleagues – breaches equality laws.
genuine occupational European Union rules state that a school must be able to
requirement prove a “genuine occupational requirement” in order to dis-
criminate in favour of a religious candidate. However, the
British Humanist Association, whose complaints sparked the
inquiry, says that describing religious adherence as “desirable”
falls short of this standard.
“If religious practice is a ‘desirable’ quality and not an essen-
tial one, then it cannot be a genuine occupational requirement,” FAITH AND WORSHIP: Should religious criteria apply in recruitment?
Richy Thompson, campaigns officer at the BHA, told TES. “It
should either be essential or not there at all.” teachers”, who are chosen for their ability to deliver religious
The case also brings into question government guidance that education. Reserved teachers cannot make up more than a fifth
gives voluntary-aided faith schools, which are part-funded of teaching staff.
by religious organisations, the freedom to apply “religious The BHA has asked the commission to investigate whether
criteria when recruiting or dismissing any member of their the government guidance is at odds with the EU directive.
teaching staff”. Paul Barber, director of the Catholic Education Service, told
The schools can give preference to religious candidates in TES that faith schools should determine “on an individual
“recruitment, remuneration and promotion”, the Equality basis” whether they required a religious candidate for a parti-
Act guidance adds. It says that academies, free schools and cular role.
independent schools with a religious character “generally “They need to look at the full circumstances of each job,” he
operate under conditions which mirror those in voluntary- said. “A particular vacancy may well qualify to be a ‘genuine
aided schools”. occupational requirement’ at one time, but it may not do at a
The rules for voluntary-controlled faith schools, which are different school or at a different time.” He said he believed the
state-funded, are tighter: they say faith can be taken into Equality Act was in line with EU rules.
account only when appointing the headteacher and “reserved A spokesman for the London Diocesan Board for Schools,
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16 tes 20 FEBRUARY 2015which runs 133 primary schools and 20 secondaries, said that preference for Muslim teachers but received very few applica-
its schools usually sought a “Christian commitment” only when tions from non-Muslim candidates.
filling senior leadership positions. “At voluntary-aided schools, there’s no obvious discrimina-
“However, even then, in the majority of those cases, a school tion towards any specific faith, although if staff are recruited
will be looking more for someone who will actively support the primarily to teach Islamic studies you might have a Muslim
Christian traditions and ethos of the school, rather than a ‘card- teacher,” he said. “But, in my experience, you don’t come across
carrying’ member of the Christian church,” he added. applications from non-Muslims.”
“We have senior staff in our schools who are adherents of At Muslim independent schools, he said, “shoestring budgets”
various faiths and many who have no personal faith. What they caused by low fee levels meant that teachers were often head-
have in common is that they are committed to supporting the hunted. “They will typically recruit people from within their
values of our schools and working with the community, the network,” he said. “They rely on the goodwill of individuals
local clergy and the diocese for the good of the children.” who will work for less pay. So although I don’t think there’s any
Talha Ahmad, chair of the education taskforce at the Muslim deliberate discrimination towards Muslims, those are the peo-
Council of Britain, said Muslim schools tended not to state a ple they tend to come into contact with.”
The European Commission placed a similar investigation on
‘Being Catholic is desirable, not essential’ hold last year after ruling that no evidence had been provided
of “incorrect application of the laws at stake”. However, the
Michael essential,” he says. “We teach commission has agreed to reconsider the case after the BHA’s
George, a Catholic RE syllabus, and submission of job adverts as evidence.
headteacher having a grounding in the Papers obtained by the BHA through the European equivalent
of St Hugh Catholic faith would be of a Freedom of Information request show that the government
of Lincoln advantageous in enabling a told the commission it believed a school could “give preference
Catholic teacher to fulfil that part of [to religious candidates] in respect of appointment to any
Primary the role e�ectively.” teaching position” if that school could prove it had a “genuine
School in Mr George (pictured) says and substantial religious ethos”.
Surrey, says it is important for that he would look at “all the The government said this could be justified in some cases be-
the “majority” of teachers to qualities” of the candidates cause of “the pastoral responsibilities of all teachers, regardless
share the faith of the school when shortlisting, adding: of subject or seniority”.
because this helps to preserve “A non-Catholic happy to A spokesman for the commission confirmed that it was
its Catholic ethos. subscribe to the ethos of the considering the complaint and had made contact with the
“We have a job advert out at school would have preference British authorities.
the moment and the personal over a Catholic who was A spokesman for the Department for Education said the gov-
specification says being a weaker in other facets of their ernment’s guidance allowing faith schools to apply religious
Catholic is desirable but not application.” criteria was in line with the “genuine occupational require-
ment” rule set out in the EU directive.
20 FEBRUARY 2015 tes 17tesnews
news G I F T E D A N D TA L E N T E D
For breaking news,
views from the world
of education and Schools neglect
their most able,
regular podcasts, visit
news.tesconnect.com
campaigners claim
Provision for gifted and
talented pupils is branded
a ‘postcode lottery’
N I C K M O R R I S O N
GIFTED PUPILS are facing a “postcode lottery” in getting ensure that pupils were stretched and challenged, others did
support from schools to fulfil their potential, according to not even identify their high-potential learners.
campaigners working to improve provision for the most able. “Some schools are doing a fantastic job, but in others there is
Although some schools are praised for stretching their most no structure at all,” she added. “There is no gifted and talented
Many schools do not talented students, the demise of a national strategy has been register and there is no coordinator for the most able. It is a
have an understanding blamed for creating a patchwork picture across the country, postcode lottery.”
of what it means to be with attention often focused on pupils at the C-D borderline, Ms Yates said a named person should be responsible for gifted
a highly able child leaving high achievers out in the cold. and talented education at each school, in the same way that
Now a national charity has launched a manifesto aiming to they have a special needs coordinator. “Many schools do not
address this variation in support and improve provision for have an understanding of what it means to be a highly able
gifted and talented children. Potential Plus UK has set out a child,” she added.
five-point plan to make sure high-ability children get a fair deal And she argued that although it was understandable that
from schools. The charity, formerly the National Association schools focused on progress and results, this often resulted in
for Gifted Children, has called on schools to sign up to the teachers not doing enough to stretch able pupils.
manifesto in advance of this year’s general election. “I don’t blame them for that, but what it means is that in many
Wide variations in the level of support for the most able chil- schools the most-able programme has gone to the bottom of
dren have appeared since the national framework for gifted the agenda,” she said. “If it was not for bodies like Ofsted saying
and talented students was scrapped in 2010, according to every child’s learning was important, support for the most able
Denise Yates, chief executive of Potential Plus UK. She said would have disappeared in some schools.”
that although some schools continued to develop strategies to An Ofsted report in 2013 found that many schools did not set
‘Stretching our most able has a big impact across the wider school’
Chase Terrace Technology should be encouraged to work one of its two gifted and
College in Sta�ordshire has independently wherever talented registers.
produced a 24-page handbook possible. Gifted pupils are encouraged
setting out how teachers of each “We feel that stretching our to take part in extracurricular
subject can identify and support most able has a big impact activities and also to meet
their most able pupils. The across the wider school. If we in cluster groups with other
school is one of only four can get the best out of them, able students.
Potential Plus UK Gold Award we will raise attainment and “It’s an opportunity for them
winners for its work in gifted stretch everybody,” he says. to help and support each other
and talented education. Mr Tennant says that between and talk about the fears they
Every department and 5 and 10 per cent of children are may have,” Mr Tennant adds.
every lesson should have in the “most able” category. But, “It’s important to recognise
di�erentiated objectives, including pupils who have a high achievement and, if you
according to James Tennant, particular ability in a specific have identified it, you have a
the school’s gifted and talented subject, about 500 of the duty to do the very best that
coordinator, and able students school’s 1,300 pupils are on you can.”
GETTY
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