ISC Daily News Summary

The Department for Education has announced a set of measures to support students taking GCSE and A-level exams next year. BBC News.

Read's the ISC's response to the announcement.

A report from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has said those at increased risk of contracting coronavirus because of their job - including teachers - could be prioritised for the second phase of the vaccine. By Amy Gibbons, Tes.

The Department for Education has announced Ofsted's routine graded inspections will remain suspended until the summer term. By John Roberts, Tes.

An article in The Telegraph explores how some schools are integrating COVID-19 into their lesson plans. By Sarah Rodrigues. The article quotes Shaun Fenton OBE, headmaster at Reigate Grammar School, and mentions Howell's School in Llandaff and the Girls' Day School Trust.

Under new plans announced by universities minister Michelle Donelan, the return of students to universities in England after Christmas will be staggered over a five-week period, with all students expected to be back by 7 February. By Sally Weale, The Guardian.

Mike Piercy, headmaster at The New Beacon, reflects on the way his school has adapted to remote learning during the pandemic, and considers the broader role of virtual platforms in the development of pupils’ critical thinking skills.

According a survey conducted by the National Literacy Trust, 33 per cent of children aged nine to 18 do not see themselves in the books they read. By Alison Flood, The Guardian.