Ofsted Warns of Insufficient SEND Support

After a new study reviewing the experiences of 21 SEND pupils in mainstream primary and secondary schools, Ofsted claims that some of these pupils are not receiving sufficient support. Many of the schools and families that took part in the research had experienced long waiting times and high levels of bureaucracy in the Education, Health…

Ofsted Identifies the Key Principles of Good Science Teaching

In the first instalment of its research review series, Ofsted has determined what it believes to be the key principles of good science teaching. Through their inspections they are planning to closely examine how science is being taught in schools. Thorough subject investigation will be used to gather evidence concerning the quality of education in…

Ofqual Reveals Grading Quality Assurance Requirements

Ofqual’s director of standards and comparability has stated that exam boards would request samples of work from every school for quality assurance. Some of the requirements include: Schools Will Need to Provide Samples of GCSE and A-Level Work Once schools submit grades, exam boards will request evidence from no less than five each of A-level and GCSE…

Why Some Teachers Are Happy With Hybrid Teaching

Since the pandemic, many teachers have naturally moved into a hybrid teaching and blended learning model. Whilst some may still prefer more traditional methods, others have fully embraced the new approach. For many it has become second nature to use a mixture of online learning resources with homeschoolers, and face-to-face teaching with those in school….

Schools Fear a Potential Second Grading Disaster

Summer is soon approaching, which likewise indicates that GCSE exam results are impending. After last year’s grading disaster through Ofqual’s predictive algorithm, many teachers fear the outcome of this year’s new grading approach. New government instructions require headteachers to carry out an “excessive” amount of assessments on students, as well as use historical data on their…

Why Teachers Fear Relaxing Covid Rules

With lockdown rules relaxing in the UK this month, some teachers are concerned that this will discourage students from following Covid safety rules. Teachers’ leaders have warned that a potential third wave of Coronavirus cases could threaten schools after Easter unless strict safety measures remain in place. The NASUWT teachers’ union have suggested that the government…

Will Online Exams Become a Reality?

Since the dependency of online learning due to Covid, some are predicting that it could lead to the transitioning of paper to online exams much sooner than expected. The Department for Education (DfE) has suggested that a shift in attitude towards digital GCSEs has occurred due to the cancellation of summer exams. Sources close to…

Remote Learning Features That Are Here to Stay

Over the years technology has increasingly become a larger part of the schooling system, and the last 12 months has consolidated its existence within the future of education. School closures due to Covid, and the dependency on homeschooling in its place, have introduced teachers to a wealth of technological innovations to use within the classroom,…

Why Some Students Prefer Remote Learning

With students back at school in the UK this month, many are excited to meet up with their friends and dive back into school activities. Some parents are also happy to have the pressures of homeschooling taken off of their hands. However, some students have settled into the rhythms of remote learning and now feel…

Are Face Masks in Classrooms a Help or a Hindrance?

With UK schools opening up this week after months of online learning, there has been some debate over whether students should be required to wear face masks in class or not. The government has recommended that secondary school pupils should wear masks for a temporary period of time until further assessments can be made. However,…