“The real issue flagged by secondary teachers is that rules and sanctions are inconsistently applied, and it isn’t always clear whose responsibility it is to remove a phone, or if they are allowed to do so,” Laura McInerney, co-founder of Teacher Tapp, said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56663010
Education
Schools ‘a lifeline to many students’ in past year’
Asked about the poverty they had witnessed, one union member said: “We have children that aren’t clothed properly, without coats in winter, or have holes in shoes, and my school’s inclusion team are excellent at working with the families to get them the support they need quickly and efficiently. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-56652151
Simon Woolley: First black man appointed head of Oxbridge college
On his appointment to Homerton College, Lord Woolley said: “Its history, from its origins in the East end of London, and its values of inclusion, dynamism and integrity, along with its vision to be a beacon of hope and academic excellence, make this a must-have role.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-56602762
Million students ‘forgotten’ in lack of uni return date
“There are university students across the country on courses such as business, maths and languages who are still waiting to find when – or even if – they will be able to return to in-person teaching this year,” says Dr Bradshaw, head of the Russell Group of 24 leading research universities. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-56602531
Covid: Many students say their mental health is worse due to pandemic
“Universities are fully prepared and looking forward to welcoming students back to Covid-secure environments as soon as possible after Easter, with a variety of enriching activities on offer, including in-person teaching, access to study spaces, studios, and sports facilities, alongside additional support for those due to graduate this year.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-56570061
School abuse: ‘Raped schoolgirl ignored by teachers’
“We need to have a revitalised education system that really does the best for every child… instead of just giving them all the educational advantages but also the development of their holistic character, their creativity, their ability to be able to perform well in work and in society, knowing how to manage their mental health. […]
School abuse: ‘Rape culture’ allegations shocking, says Williamson
The website initially drew attention to private schools, particularly in London, but Ms Sara, who is now 22, said that was a consequence of her own background – and that the range of testimonies, from state and private schools, showed this was a much wider issue. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56566442
School abuse claims could be the ‘next national scandal’
“Working together, the Department for Education, the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council are in contact with Everyone’s Invited to provide support, protection and advice to those who are reporting abuse, including on contacting professionals or the police if they wish.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56558487
Everyone’s Invited: Met investigates school abuse claims made on website
The Met’s lead for rape and sexual offences, Det Supt Mel Laremore, said: “It is deeply concerning to see the number of accounts published on this website, many of which appear to relate to previous or current experiences within educational settings in London and across the country. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-56545081
Exams: Grading system could become ‘Wild West’, MPs warn
Robert Halfon, chair of the committee, said: “There are no easy answers given what has happened with Covid. However, the DfE and Ofqual should consider some kind of standardised assessment and a more robust way of validating teacher assessed grades.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-56523629
Fifth of students ‘poorly prepared for university’
A spokeswoman for the Department for Education in England said: “We have invested over £100m this financial year alone towards high quality careers provision – including the rollout of the enterprise adviser network, reaching more than 4,000 schools and colleges and connecting 3.3 million young people to future employers, and national careers service support to […]
Erasmus replacement for Welsh students
Becky Ricketts, National Union of Students Wales President, said: “Students in Wales deserve the opportunity that many people have had before them, and the chance to learn, grow and develop themselves on a global scale is one that many feared that they had lost.” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56469835