For the benefit of those that are not science teachers, I want to try to demonstrate, through this example, the power of practical science lessons to inspire, engage and promote understanding. By practical, I mean real, hands on, tactile, feely-touchy, noisy, smelly pupil experience that cannot be replicated by any DVD or on-line representation. The topic of 'electricity and magnetism' is ... read more and comment →
“In TIMSS* 2007 England performed significantly above the TIMSS scale average in both grades and subjects for the first time,” wrote the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER). The scores of English 10 and 14 year-olds had increased appreciably in both Maths and Science since the tests were first taken in 1999. King’s College academic, Dr Jeremy Hodgen, whose own research ... read more and comment →
Latest comment by Rebecca Hanson: "TIMSS not TIMMS. Why do I still do that!..."
Comment + Debate
Another report has been published showing how British children are falling behind those of other countries. With 25 years of experience, I am convinced that the poor quality of the GCSE system is to blame. Exams are too easy, do not stretch children and are based on flimsy syllabuses that are becoming a joke in many subjects, such as in Science, ... read more and comment →
Latest comment by Fiona Millar: "Great - I am very please to hear it. There are many ways parents can help to shape and improve their local schools and it sounds like the school is responsive and listening to concerns...."
Comment + Debate Scene: the Christmas recess. Sir Humphrey Appleby sits in an armchair next to a side table with decanter and glass. Background SFX: Carols from King’s. Sir Humphrey is reading an e-mail on his smartphone. It is from the Minister. It reads: “Have you seen TES articles re NC review? Not favourable. Concerned about possible teacher supply crisis. Primary heads fear ... read more and comment →
Latest comment by Janet Downs: "Leonard - it is heartening to read that you "actually agree with some of the LSN's message". It would be useful, therefore, if you could highlight areas of agreement as well as disagreement. It would also be helpful ......"
Comment + Debate Controversy over Mr Gove’s use of the discounted OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2000 UK results rumbles on. The Department for Education has responded to an article by Full Fact Org about the contentious data being quoted in Ms Vorderman’s Maths report. The DfE response is included as an update at the foot of the Full Fact Org ... read more and comment →
Latest comment by Janet Downs: "Typo alert: the UK PISA 2006 figure for Science is missing. It is 515. England, taken separately from the rest of the UK, scored 515 in Science in 2009, which is the same score achieved by the UK ......"
Comment + Debate
I published this article on The Guardian's Comment Is Free site earlier today. I was shocked to read today that climate change may be dropped from the national curriculum. As a teacher in various state schools for 20 years, I've seen how much the education on this issue has really improved in the past decade and how everyone has benefited from it ... read more and comment →
Latest comment by JustMEinT: "Just a general conversation with young kids, about (so called) Climate Change, will reveal that they are being fed much disinformation – be it via the media, the school curriculum or even from their parents and close relatives. It seemed ......"
Comment + Debate