School Leadership Today
Issue 6.2
SLT 6.2 Editorial: It’s all back to setting: another un-researched fad is unleashed
Governments of both positions have endorsed ability grouping over the years. We should therefore not be surprised by new Education Secretary Nicky Morgan’s recent endorsement. However, there is no evidence that pupils grouped, set or streamed according to ability achieve better results than those in mixed-ability settings.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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SLT 6.2 Points
Huge rise in the number of children taught in overcrowded classrooms; new Education Secretary to push ahead with A Level reforms; eight in ten teachers unprepared for new curriculum; and more.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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What will the new DfE mean for schools?
Teachers danced in the corridors and Twitter rejoiced – what else could it be but the removal of Michael Gove as Education Secretary? Now, as the new members of the Department for Education settle into their roles, we consider what the latest line-up could mean for teachers and their pupils.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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Exam reforms and the gap between state and private schools
Recent research has shown that wealthy students are still ten times more likely to get into top universities than their poorer counterparts. In light of Gove’s exam reforms and this year’s subsequent decrease in A grades at A Level, it has to be asked: are we simply exacerbating the problem?
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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SLT 6.2 Report Update
Extracurricular inequalities; Pupil premium and the invisible group; The impact of ICT on pupils’ learning at KS3 in secondary schools; The impact of academy chains on low income students.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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PDF
Protecting girls from FGM
Female Genital Mutilation has been illegal in the UK for many years, but it’s only recently that the fight to end this terrible form of child abuse has gained the media attention it deserves. Kamaljit Thandi explores ways teachers can protect the girls who are most at risk.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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PDF
Adjusting to Progress 8
It may be fairer, but Progress 8 is a massive shift from the current method of ranking schools and there are bound to be repercussions, with winners and losers all round. Michael McGarvey outlines the main implications for school leaders under this new system of accountability.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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PDF
Responding creatively to the new English curriculum
It might now be the subject with the highest stakes at GCSE, but it’s vital English teachers resist the pressure and retain an imaginative approach to teaching it. Marcella McCarthy highlights the major changes to the secondary English curriculum and shares some practical and creative ideas to manage them.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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PDF
Why I left the job I once loved
Earlier this year, successful headteacher Nigel Utton quit his job on live radio. Why? He describes how a culture of high-stakes testing, curtailed innovation and the ‘disgusting’ treatment of children with special needs made the decision all too easy.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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PDF
Better together – A year in a Co-operative Trust
In May 2013, seven Birmingham schools made history by forming the first Co-operative Trust of schools in the area. But is there really strength in numbers? Vicky Hewitson looks back on the Trust’s first exciting year.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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Rethinking the school as a community
People, children especially, thrive in a positive, caring community – so why are most schools structured more like organisations? John West-Burnham looks at what reshaping schools as vibrant, inclusive communities could do for students and their wellbeing.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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Real-life learning in a virtual world
Creating a classroom with a twist, Amir Ghapanchi and Reza Ghanbarzadeh explore how 3D virtual worlds can be used in secondary schools and sixth forms to engage older students in meaningful group work and research.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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Making the most of your primary sports funding
Last year, the government ring fenced £8000 for each UK primary school to fund sports provision – but how should schools be using it? Crispin Andrews considers who should be leading PE in schools, what kinds of sports our children should be taking part in and the best strategies for long-term sustainability.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
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PDF
Are you prepared for the new maths curriculum?
With its tougher content, higher expectations and increased emphasis on developing children’s problem-solving and reasoning skills, the new primary maths curriculum is a welcome but somewhat daunting prospect. Tim Handley gives his advice for schools preparing to take on the challenge.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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PDF
Manager's Briefcase - Developing your local offer
A series of documents to help you develop and format your SEND local offer.
- Date:
- 22/09/2014
- File Format:
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PDF
