Expert Contributor | Schools Week

Linear GCSEs aren’t about cramming knowledge

The introduction of more rigorous GCSEs has understandably been challenging for teachers. But if they try to teach them in the same way as the old exams, they risk not only doing a disservice to their students but also short-changing themselves, argues Danuta Tomasz For the past two or three years secondary teachers in England […]

Why we’re marching on Westminster for school funding

At the moment schools don’t have enough money. It’s as simple as that. That’s why NAHT, the school leaders’ union and others like UNISON, NEU and UNITE are heading up to Westminster on Tuesday. And we won’t be alone. Many school governors, parents, carers and teachers will join us. The desire to make sure every […]

£1.3bn more for school funding is not nearly enough

English schools need much more than a paltry £1.3 billion in extra funding taken from elsewhere, says Gillian Allcroft Sorry to be churlish, but £1.3 billion more for school funding is not nearly enough. Yes, I know, there are lots of other deserving causes, but our children are our future and if we cannot provide […]

Is Al-Hijrah ruling the death knell for single-sex schools?

The recent judgement against segregation in schools suggests that ideology-based segregation in education is harmful. Where does this leave single-sex schools? On Friday 13 October, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Al-Hijrah school’s policy of segregating boys and girls was unlawful discrimination by sex. The decision gives Ofsted considerably greater powers and could mark […]

Why is the good CPD always on the weekend?

We need to bring the buzz of weekend conferences to continuing professional development delivered during working hours, says Karen Wespieser As we reach the first half term of the new academic year, there have already been a series of high-profile education conferences. Nick Gibb and Justine Greening have given keynote speeches, and many hours of […]

Science capital can be built!

Researchers have identified “science capital” as a major factor they believe influences pupils’ decisions to study science at higher levels, writes Louise Archer Although many school students find science lessons interesting, the majority do not see science as being relevant to their lives or “for me”. In the UK and abroad, there is a widespread concern […]

From courtroom to classroom…

Early last year, Joanne Crossley hung up her wig and joined Teach First at 46. It was a shock to the system, but not a bad one It was a dog that finally pushed me over the edge. A family that cares more about its pets than its kids doesn’t deserve my help – no […]

Katie Hopkins is not a suitable speaker for schools

The ASCL recommendation that Katie Hopkins be allowed to speak in schools, as long as alternative views are presented, is dangerous and potentially misleading, says Bill Bolloten Last month the journalist Katie Hopkins announced a series of school talks for 14 to 16-year-olds, which she has branded the “Stand Strong School Tour”. Hopkins has a […]