ISC Daily News Summary
21 May 2009
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Independent sector
Gloom hit schools see chances overseas
General education
Let universities design new A-levels, Tories say
Guardian
The Conservatives are considering moves to sideline the existing A-level, amid concerns they produce students who expect to be spoon-fed through university and fail to stretch the brightest pupils. Universities would be encouraged to club together to design tougher alternatives, said the shadow secretary of state for higher education, David Willetts. One in four A-level papers were awarded an A grade in 2008, and the most selective universities say it is almost impossible to pick out the very best candidates.
Let universities design new A-levels, Tories say (Guardian)
General education
Government accused of orchestrating a 'stitch-up' over Sats blunders
Higher education
Universities are a good degree safer
Scotsman
Commercialisation projects and research assignments with external partners are proving to be a lucrative revenue scheme for Scotland's universities, assisting them in countering economic challenges during the recession.
Universities are a good degree safer (Scotsman - not online)
Higher education
Graduates finding no gap in the job market opt for a year out abroad
Scottish education
£210k plan brought in for training of nursery teachers
Scotsman
A £210,000 pilot scheme to train teachers to be early years specialists at Aberdeen and Stirling Universities has been announced by the Scottish Government. Critics warned, however, that the 60 university places created to help fulfil the election promise of access to a nursery teacher for every child may not succeed as cash-strapped councils cannot be forced to employ the graduates under the concordat.
£210k plan brought in for training of nursery teachers (Scotsman)
Scottish education
MSPs support greater rights for children
Scotsman
Laws giving greater rights to children needing additional support in school have been backed by MSPs. The Scottish Parliament has voted unanimously for the bill, despite complaints from Labour that the government had stifled debate on some issues.
MSPs support greater rights for children (Scotsman)
Child welfare
Child poverty target is at risk
Scotsman
A Holyrood committee has said that a target to halve the level of child poverty in Scotland next year may not be met.
Child poverty target is at risk (Scotsman - not online)
One to watch
Interview: Philip Pullman on Off by Heart
Daily Telegraph
1,500 primary schools have participated in a poetry recital competition. The 12 best recitalists have been selected to compete in the final, compered by Jeremy Paxman and judged by Philip Pullman. A documentary on the competition will be aired on BBC 2 tomorrow night.
Interview: Philip Pullman on Off by Heart (Daily Telegraph)
Education supplements
Independent education supplement
And finally...
Why the digital age puts a strain on kids