ISC Daily News Summary

Sir Roger Scruton, a philosopher and writer, outlines his views as to why independent schools should exist. He states "the real case for independent initiatives in education is seldom made". Tes.

Glenalmond College in Perth will permanently ban mobile phones during the school day after a trial showed an improvement in pupils’ concentration and focus. By Jeremy Watson, The Times. The article quotes Gareth O’Neill, a sub-warden at the school. Kilgraston School in Perth is also referenced.

The Daily Mirror reports on the money being spent by the Foreign Office to cover the cost of privately educating its staff’s children. By Alan Selby.

Julia Harrington, head at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham and founder of BrainCanDo, argues teenagers should be taught what is happening to their brains during adolescence. She also references her aim for neuroscience and cognitive psychology to be included in teacher training.

Letter 3/4 of the way down the page.

Dr Bernard Trafford, a former independent school head, argues pupils should be allowed the time to explore other opportunities for learning that may not be part of the school curriculum. Tes. The article references Bedales School and Wimbledon High School.

David Gibbons, an English teacher at Merchant Taylors’ School in Hertfordshire, discusses how the future of classroom design is in making every surface writable "for pupils to scrawl upon". Tes.

Schools Week reports on the Government's plans for a national computing school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) initiative. By Jess Staufenberg.

David Hermitt, chief executive of Congleton Multi-Academy Trust, argues more ethnically diverse school leaders are needed to better represent the children they serve. Schools Week.