ISC Daily News Summary

ISC Daily News Summary 17 March 2021

Coronavirus: Concerns raised over 'lost learning' narrative

General education

Nick Pietrek, headmaster of Thorpe House School, and Bill Sawyer, head of Yarm Prep School, challenge the narrative of "lost learning" on Attain's Fresh Thinking podcast, with Mr Sawyer saying: "The children need to see and hear us adults talking positively about navigating challenges and not being unduly concerned about perceived gains that they still need to make."

Dr Alex George, the Government's youth mental health ambassador, has urged ministers to be mindful of the language they use to describe learning disruption, saying phrases like "lost generation" and "catch-up" could be "damaging to young people". By Eleanor Sly, The Independent.

According to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO), the Government's tuition programme may not be reaching the most disadvantaged children. BBC News. Schools Week summarises key findings from the NAO's report. By Samantha Booth.

New attendance figures show 95 per cent of primary school pupils were in classes at the end of last week, and 89 per cent of secondary students attended school last Monday. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.

A survey commissioned by Quizlet has found that 39 per cent of state school teachers and 26 per cent of independent school teachers feel less passionate about their careers than they did before the pandemic. By James Higgins, Independent Education Today.

According to the UsForThem parent campaign group, some children are suffering "shocking" physical reactions to face masks. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.


Newham pupils offered £1m of scholarships to independent schools

Independent sector

The Times reports 12 pupils from Cumberland School in Newham have been offered almost £1 million of scholarships to attend independent sixth forms in London, Devon and Berkshire. By Nicola Woolcock. The article mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.


Universities warned against "over-recruiting" students this year

Higher education

The Office for Students has warned universities in England against "sacrificing quality" by admitting too many students this year. By Sean Coughlan, BBC News.


'We need to teach young men and boys how to respect women'

Teaching and learning

Kit Malthouse, the policing minister, has suggested boys should be taught about "the way people are treated in the street and the way women and girls are contemplated in the public realm" as part of the PSHE curriculum. By Matt Dathan and Fiona Hamilton, The Times.


Scottish independent schools offer "unreserved" apologies to former pupils abused in their care

Independent sector

BBC News reports some independent schools in Scotland have made opening statements to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry apologising to former pupils who suffered abuse in their care.


A closer look at the different approaches to teaching handwriting

Teaching and learning

The Telegraph explores how different schools choose to teach pupils cursive handwriting. By Susie Mesure. The article mentions Kensington Prep School, Lambrook and Alleyn's School.


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