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Daily News Summary
20 October 2023

Attainment gap widens as poorer GCSE pupils fall behind wealthier peers
Letter: Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
Government publishes updated list of schools in England with RAAC
Childhood obesity in England declines slightly
In conversation with ASCL's new president
'Giving all students the ability to speak publicly is life-changing for them'

Attainment gap widens as poorer GCSE pupils fall behind wealthier peers

 

The gap between disadvantaged and advantaged pupils at GCSE is at its widest since 2011, and there has been increase in the number of “ghost” children missing at least half of school, according to government figures. GCSE results in England fell from last year and are lower than in 2019, the final year of exams before the Covid pandemic. By Nicola Woolcock, Matilda Davies and George Willoughby, The Times.

Tes breaks down the GCSE performance data and secondary school league table results, highlighting key insights, trends and revelations that schools should be aware of. By Gráinne Hallahan.

 

Letter: Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

 

Lawyers representing the majority of victims and survivors in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) have a letter published in today's Times. A year on from the release of the inquiry's final report, they warn that "not a single one of the main recommendations has been implemented". Calling for action, the lawyers conclude: "All political parties must treat child protection as a priority and the government must table legislation without delay." The letter appears below halfway.

 
The Times

Government publishes updated list of schools in England with RAAC

 

An updated list of 214 schools and colleges with crumbling concrete in England has been published by the government, of which none are still operating fully remotely. The figure is a rise of 40 on a previous tally of buildings affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). BBC News.

 
BBC

Childhood obesity in England declines slightly

 

New NHS data suggests child obesity in England has fallen slightly, with the overall proportion of 10 and 11-year-olds who are overweight and obese remaining above the level before the start of the Covid pandemic. However for four and five-year-olds, obesity levels are presently below those from 2018-19. By Catherine Snowdon, BBC News. 

 
BBC

In conversation with ASCL's new president

 

Tes features an interview with John Camp, the first president of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) to come from the primary and special school sector. Mr Camp talks about his inspirational teachers and how his own school days showed him the “potential for something different in the future”. By Cerys Turner.

 
Tes

'Giving all students the ability to speak publicly is life-changing for them'

 

Writing in Tes, director of Debate Hub at South Hampstead High School GDST Michael Hepburn looks at how schools can facilitate meaningful oracy and offers advice on how best to increase pupils' confidence around public speaking. Mr Hepburn says: "Take advantage of the incredible pedagogical tool that is debating. Children love to argue."

 
Tes

 

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