Monthly Archives: February 2012

Teachers matter

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Ed Elliott, Head

2012 will see 325,000 15 year old pupils in 65 countries and regions sit PISA tests in Reading, Maths and Science. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) compares levels of educational attainment every three years.  The 2009 tests saw … Continue reading →

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Real solutions or cheap fixes?

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Ed Elliott, Head

The debate over the appointment of Professor Les Ebdon to become the new Head of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) extends far beyond the pros and cons of Professor Ebdon’s own candidacy.  It goes right to the heart of the … Continue reading →

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Intellectual curiosity

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Ed Elliott, Head

Debates about the curriculum often focus on what subjects are taught in schools and in what proportion.  February has already seen the demise of vocational qualifications in fish husbandry, equine care, and nail technology and the introduction of courses in … Continue reading →

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The League Table Lottery and ‘Trip Advisor’ for schools

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Ed Elliott, Head

Last week the Department of Education released league tables of ‘school performance’ and this week it is re-writing the criteria for them by removing thousands of vocational qualifications.  Welcome to the chaotic and confused world of educational league tables. In … Continue reading →

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