ISC Daily News Summary

Independent school associations have issued guidance in response to the coronavirus outbreak, saying while there is "no immediate cause for concern", schools should "err on the side of caution" to minimise risks posed to staff and students. By Sarah Knapton and Jessica Carpani, The Telegraph. The article quotes the Girls' Schools Association, Robin Fletcher, chief executive of the Boarding Schools' Association, and a spokesman for the Girls' Day School Trust. The article also references statistics from the Independent Schools Council.

Philip Britton, head of Bolton School Boys' Division, has said schools could do more to advance gender equality by encouraging boys to consider going into female-dominated professions. By Will Hazell, iNews. The article mentions Loughborough Grammar School.

According to a report from the British Council, boys are underrepresented in modern foreign languages, and girls are more than twice as likely to achieve a pass in a language GCSE. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Bedales School is launching an alternative qualification to A-levels called Living with the Land, which combines "traditional building, cooking and craft skills with aspects of ecology, sustainability and community". By Will Hazell, iNews. The article quotes Magnus Bashaarat, head of the school.

The paper also reports on comments from Mr Bashaarat that GCSEs are "outdated" and should be scrapped. By Will Hazell.

Martin Scott, head of The Old Hall School, has said parents should encourage their children to speak for themselves from an early age to help build their confidence in school. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Tes features a profile piece on Mark Fenton, chief executive officer of the Grammar School Heads Association. By Dave Speck.

Roxanne Irani, teacher of biology, environmental systems and societies and theory of knowledge at King Edward's School, Birmingham, describes how her pupils benefit from reconnecting with nature.