ISC Daily News Summary

Jane Prescott, the new president of the Girls' Schools Association (GSA), has suggested more schools might move their trips closer to home as pupils become increasingly interested in reducing their carbon footprint. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

The Times reports on comments from Ms Prescott on the issue of banning mobile phones. She argued schools should "show the positive aspects of having a mobile phone", adding children should be educated on appropriate mobile usage. By Rosemary Bennett. BBC Breakfast features a segment on the topic, with Ms Prescott saying: "I think that schools should look at the usefulness of mobile phones, and how they can be used for research and helping children organise their daily life." The discussion commences at 1:38:40.

Ms Prescott, who is also head of Portsmouth High School, has said she hopes to introduce a "junior" version of the extended project qualification for her GCSE pupils. She argues replacing a GCSE with an extended project qualification could improve pupils' mental health and "encourage young people to research topics that genuinely interest them". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

According to a survey of GSA headteachers, 38 per cent believe Mandarin is the most important language for students to learn, despite pupils' ability to progress quicker in European languages. In response to the findings, Ms Prescott said: "We perhaps need to look at our European neighbours and how they teach languages from quite an early age." By Catherine Lough, Tes.

The Times reports the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is to focus on investigations into abuse in boarding schools. By Marc Horne.

Elizabeth College, a boys independent school in Guernsey, is to accept girls from 2021. BBC News. The article quotes Jenny Palmer, principal of Elizabeth College.

David James, an independent school deputy head (academic), writes in Tes in response to an article written by Robin Bevan, an executive member of the NEU. He criticises the NEU's 'lack of support' for the independent sector, asking: "Why does a union need to be reminded of its fundamental duty to support all of its members?"

As part of a discussion on the rise of hospital admissions for eating disorders, Lord Lexden asked what progress the Government had made in providing schools with the support needed to respond to mental health issues. Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford said the Government is introducing "new school and college-based mental health support teams" and piloting "four-week waiting times" to improve access to mental health services.

Campaigners have called for life drawing classes to be introduced in schools, arguing they can help tackle body image issues in children and young people. By Craig Simpson, The Telegraph.