JL Dutaut | Schools Week

Review: Michaela. The Power of Culture

Beyond the expected controversy, Sonia Thompson finds a persistent and persuasive argument that will take time to digest The Power of Culture is a totally self-assured book. Michaela School in north London is confident enough in its second battle hymn to extol its virtues and declare war on every one who has doubts. This book […]

What does reopening look like across our school system?

Teacher Tapp data finds the “Big Thaw” is leaving many children out in the cold In early March, a Big Freeze settled over schools across the world. Unesco estimates that by April, 91 per cent of schools in the world were closed. But by early June, a third had reopened their doors. England’s schools are […]

Raj Unsworth’s top edu blogs of the week, 15 June 2020

Our guest blog reviewer foregrounds the voices of educators trying to make sense of racism, highlights attempts to heal divisions in early years and listens to one woman’s experience of being a CEO Why 1963? @Arv_Kaushal Recent events have distressed many of us, but out of the horror a growing chorus of BAME educators […]

Racism exists. End of story. So do something about it

Tackling racism is more than a duty. It is the promise of education, says Olayinka Ewuola The senseless killing of George Floyd has reopened old wounds and rekindled difficult conversations. There is immense pressure and pain across our communities, and as a chair of governors it isn’t enough for me to hear of just sympathy. […]

Decisions are needed now on exams and accountability

This year’s exam disruption is far from the end of the story. Stephen Tierney suggests reforms to give teachers and students a measure of certainty The can-do attitude of schools has been exceptional over the past three months. Remaining at the heart of their communities, they have protected the vulnerable, fed the hungry and provided […]

A week in the life of Naureen Khalid

Trustee and chair of governors, Naureen Khalid opens her lockdown diary to reveal that governance in the time of coronavirus is a non-stop job

How curriculum reform can help in the fight against racism

The killing of George Floyd and following protests across the world have rebooted an important national debate about how schools teach black history, migration and the British Empire. Once you come out of education you realise what you’ve missed Petitions calling for reform of the national curriculum have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures – […]

Continuity planning must start without delay

Amid uncertainty, we can narrow down likely scenarios to ensure all learners get the best from our schools no matter what happens, writes Leora Cruddas Despite our best efforts, the Education Endowment Foundation’s rapid evidence review suggests that school closures are likely to widen the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers by as […]

A week in the life of Jane Manzone

Jane Manzone and her year 6 class adapt to a brave new normal I had a few bizarre dreams before I went back to school this week. Hazard tape and metre rulers featured heavily, as did an odd militaristic incarnation of a rather unassuming member of staff who had been put in charge of “social […]