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Daily News Summary
9 March 2022

School attendance rises to its highest level since June 2021
OSR to assess the Government's GCSE league tables
SQA criticised for giving students "patronising" guidance on exams
Welsh Government considers reducing summer holidays
'What are the benefits of a fully outdoors school?'

School attendance rises to its highest level since June 2021

 

Attendance survey data published by the Department for Education has revealed that school attendance has risen to its highest level since June 2021. Despite the findings, Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, warned "there are some schools and many families and pupils that are still experiencing disruption”. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner, is expected to say that local authorities do not know how many children are living in England or how many are missing school, in a report due to be published today. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

 

OSR to assess the Government's GCSE league tables

 

According to Tes, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) is assessing the Government's GCSE league tables to ensure they comply with national standards amid concerns from school leaders about the reintroduction of school-level league tables this year. By John Roberts.

 
Tes

SQA criticised for giving students "patronising" guidance on exams

 

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has been criticised by teachers for offering pupils “patronising” advice on exams such as correcting spelling and reading the question carefully. By Mark McLaughlin, The Times.

 
The Times

Welsh Government considers reducing summer holidays

 

According to BBC News, the Welsh government is considering reducing school summer holidays from six to three weeks as part of its plan to modernise the academic year. By Gemma Dunstan.

 
BBC

'What are the benefits of a fully outdoors school?'

 

BBC News takes a closer look at Liberty Woodland School, which is considered to be Britain's first fully outdoor school. Leanna Barrett, the head of the school, said that by “removing the constraints of a classroom, you’re also removing the constraints for learning and children’s minds are just free to grow their imaginations, their creativity”.

 
BBC

 

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