ISC Daily News Summary

Speaking at a press conference following the latest Cobra meeting, Boris Johnson confirmed that schools in the UK are to remain open for now, as closing them "could do more harm than good". He added the Government is advising schools against trips abroad. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has said parents and pupils need clear advice ahead of this year's exam season, with many concerned about the impact of coronavirus on learning. By Branwen Jeffreys and Katherine Sellgren, BBC News.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Geoff Barton, general secretary of ASCL, reiterated that students preparing to sit GCSEs and A-levels could benefit from "further reassurance" that those exams will go ahead "one way or another". Listen from 2:40:00.

According to a survey by ASCL, more than 85 per cent of state school heads believe GCSEs should be reformed or abolished. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

There are letters in The Times on this topic. Magnus Bashaarat, head of Bedales, argues GCSEs should be replaced with "interesting and motivating" courses with more diverse methods of assessment. Mark Steed, principal of Kellett School, Hong Kong, writes that GCSEs provide "a level of rigour and accountability" not typically found in other countries' education systems. Both letters can be found halfway down the page.

New findings from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development suggest moderate use of digital devices can have a positive effect on the working memory and literacy scores of five-year-olds in England. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

iNews reports on new research which has found forty per cent of British children own a tablet by the age of six, while 85 per cent have access to one at home. By Rhiannon Williams.

A global poll has found young people believe climate change is the most important issue facing the world, with 45 per cent of UK respondents listing it as the most pressing matter. IE Today.