ISC Daily News Summary

A report from the Higher Education Policy Institute has found that just 32 per cent of young people in the UK have the ability to read or write in more than one language, prompting calls for language learning to be compulsory for pupils up to the age of 16. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

The Sun reports 520 schools have signed up for the fourth CyberFirst girls competition; a contest designed to encourage more young girls to consider a career in cyber security. Schools have until January 21 to register their teams. By Rebekah Pemberton. The article mentions the Royal Masonic School for Girls.

Simon O'Connor, principal at Jumeirah College in Dubai, writes in Tes arguing international teachers can bring their global perspectives and experiences back to UK schools amid the ongoing recruitment crisis. The article references a report commissioned by the Council of British International Schools.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson writes in Tes encouraging teachers to "start this brand-new decade with a brand-new sense of self-belief and ambition".

Education campaigners have developed a "black curriculum" in an effort to ensure all pupils between the ages of eight and 16 are taught about black history throughout the academic year. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

According to a new study by Ian Cushing, an education lecturer and linguistics expert, banning the use of non-standard English words in schools can cause pupils "long-term damage" and discourage them from participating in class discussions. By Catherine Lough, Tes.