ISC Daily News Summary

Schoolchildren in England are lagging behind those from the Far East in maths and science, despite pulling head of other European nations, according to the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) carried out by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The study, which is based on test results from 2007, shows that English 10- and 14-year-olds achieved consistently better results than Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy. Pupils also outperformed those from other developed nations - including Australia and the United States - in every area. However, while scores have gone up, pupil enjoyment appears to have fallen.

TIMSS 2007 results (IEA)
English pupils get better at maths and science - but enjoy them less (Guardian)
Dramatic improvement in science and maths (Independent)
Pupils soar in international league, but Far East leads the way (Daily Telegraph)
English children 'best at maths in Europe' (Times)
England excels in school tests (Financial Times)
England's children score in global ranking (Financial Times)
British pupils 'lead the western world at maths' - but Borat's glorious nation of Kazakhstan puts us to shame (Daily Mail)
Kids in world's best at maths (Sun)
Pupils' 'Borat' shame (Daily Star)
England's pupils in global top 10 (BBC News Online)

A study by the Portsmouth Business School indicates that more than half of students are given wrong A-level predictions, as teachers fail to judge student potential. The disclosure means many sixth-formers may be missing out on university places as they apply for courses with little grasp of how well they will do in A-levels.

A-level predictions 'unreliable' (BBC News Online)
Majority of students given wrong A-levels predictions, study says (Daily Telegraph)
The end result (Guardian blog)

An opinion piece in the Times analyses proposed changes to the primary curriculum, following the publication of the Primary Review this week.

Mediocre teachers + jargon = low standards (Times)

A former assistant head teacher at a grammar school in Lincolnshire has admitted at a General Teaching Council (GTC) hearing that she stuck tape across a pupil's mouth after he shouted out during a lesson. The Daily Express also reports that teachers at a school in Liverpool have walked out in protest against their head teacher.

Teacher admits taping pupil's mouth (Daily Telegraph not online)
Grammar school teacher 'taped pupil's mouth shut to stop him making silly comments' (Daily Mail)
Teacher taped boy's mouth (Daily Express not online)
Teachers go on strike over nun who runs school 'like a dictator' (Daily Express)

The Times business section looks at the challenges facing graduates entering the jobs market in the current economic climate.

Graduates play it safe as employers cut back on starter jobs in bleak economic climate (Times)

The Times reports that two in three councils are already reporting serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining children's social workers, with council chiefs fearing that potential recruits are being put off by the bad publicity surrounding the Haringey case. The article also states that Children's Secretary Ed Balls will tomorrow announce a shake-up of social services, including proposals for senior social workers to spend time at management level in schools, and head teachers to experience child social work.

Baby P case could worsen social worker shortage (Times)

Ministers have announced that England's playgrounds are to be given a £235million makeover from next spring, as part of a drive to end the country's 'no ball games culture'.

Government to create more playgrounds to combat Britain's 'no ball games culture' (Daily Telegraph)
England's playgrounds get million-pound makeover (Guardian)

Fears over nut allergies are creating mass 'hysteria' and an 'overreaction' resulting in draconian bans in schools, an expert at Harvard Medical School has warned.

Fears over nut allergies are creating mass 'hysteria' (Daily Telegraph)
Warning of nut allergy 'hysteria' (BBC News Online)
Going nuts about nuts (Daily Mail)

An investigation by the Times alleges that Muslim children are being beaten and abused regularly by teachers at some British madrassas (Islamic evening classes).

Teachers 'beat and abuse' Muslim children in British Koran classes (Times)

Student loan interest (Daily Telegraph letters)
Real subjects at school (Daily Telegraph letters)
A human right to education for Baha'i (Times letters)

Does your school have any stories that could be of interest to the national media over the Christmas period? The ISC press office is now accepting Christmas-related press releases, which could result in national press coverage for your school. If you believe you have a potential story, no matter how quirky, e-mail the details to press@isc.co.uk.

A lollipop man in Hampshire has been ordered by his local council to remove silver tinsel from his sign in case it distracts motorists.

Take down that tinsel, it's health and safety (Daily Telegraph)
Council orders Christmas cheer to stop (Times)
Lollipop 'danger tinsel' banned (Daily Mail)
Council scrooges ban lollipop man's tinsel (Daily Express)
Lollipop tinsel banned (Sun)
Lollipop man's Christmas tinsel banned by council Scrooges (Daily Mirror)