|
In a hurry? Click on a link below.
Independent school deputy calls for exams overhaul to counter AI threat
|
|
|
Independent sector
|
Stephen Campbell, deputy head (academic) at Haileybury, has called for an overhaul of exams that would see written GCSE and A-level exams replaced with oral assessments to counter the threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Mr Campbell said substituting written assessments with 20-minute oral exams would be a "much more effective way of assessing knowledge and critical thinking". The article mentions Jane Lunnon, head of Alleyn's School, who told a conference at Downe House last week that it was more important than ever for children to learn to speak precisely, partly so they could prompt AI. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.
|
|
Further strike action expected in schools
|
|
|
Strike action
|
The National Education Union (NEU) is facing a backlash from some teachers and school leaders, who are calling for it to reconsider the strike dates planned for July. Critics say the dates - Wednesday 5 and Friday 7 July - clash with "critical" summer term events and will affect pupil attendance. By Matilda Martin, Tes.
The EIS and NASUWT teaching unions have said strike action is once again a possibility at Hutcheson's Grammar School in Glasgow. The school said it had unsuccessfully tried to reach “a mutually amicable agreement” with the unions. Tes.
|
|
Ban children changing pronouns at school, says Conservative MP
|
|
|
Gender identity
|
Conservative MP Miriam Cates has said children should not be allowed to change their pronouns at school even if they have the permission of their parents. Ms Cates' comments come as the government is set to publish new guidance for schools that will permit pupils to “socially transition” to other genders with parental consent, but would compel teachers to tell parents if their child wishes to be known by another gender. By Geraldine Scott, The Times.
|
|
Students to graduate with an 'empty piece of paper'
|
|
|
Higher education
|
Students at the University of Edinburgh have expressed concern for their job prospects after the university delayed the results of some degrees. The delay, announced just weeks before graduation ceremonies are due to be held, is in response to a UK-wide marking boycott and means some students will graduate without knowledge of their results. By Mary McCool, BBC News.
|
|
Ofsted reform: two experts share their views
|
|
|
Inspection
|
Writing in Schools Week, Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman explains why the inspectorate is treading softly on proposals to reform the way it works. On the widely-debated issue of grading, Ms Spielman says: "As grades are an integral part of how it (Ofsted) regulates the sector, any changes would rightly be a matter for the government."
Robin Walker, Conservative MP and chair of the Education Select Committee writes in The Times, urging caution over rushing to judge the inspectorate. "That is where my cross-party colleagues and I on the Education Select Committee have a unique role to play, and why we have launched an inquiry that will take a nuanced, rounded look at the status quo," Mr Walker explains.
|
|
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.
Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.
Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.
Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.
|
|
|
|
|