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UK Education UpdateIssue Six, June 2003 Contents
Government Eases Testing of Young Children in England The Government has announced changes to its testing and assessment system for students in primary (elementary) schools. Tests for 7 year olds, known as “Key Stage One”, will be less formal and be part of an overall “teacher judgement”. Targets for 11 year olds (that 85% achieve a set standard in math and English) will be postponed from 2004 to 2006. At present, 1.2 million students at primary schools in England sit compulsory national Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) at ages 7 and 11. The first tests for 7 year olds were taken in 1991. There has been growing criticism from teachers that the tests and targets have damaged creativity in the classroom. Surveys from the National Union of Teachers and the Liberal Democrat party suggested evidence of increasing stress in young children. The Government has published a paper entitled “Excellence and Enjoyment: A Strategy for Primary Schools” which outlines the changes. Although hailed as a “U-turn” by the press, the paper emphasizes that the system of targets and testing is still vital to the Government’s goal of improving standards. The proposals ease the pressure on schools, giving them more control of setting standards rather than having the standards imposed on them, and allowing for more creativity in the classroom. It recognizes that children learn best when they are enjoying the learning process. Tests for 7 year olds were abolished in Wales in February. To read the paper from the Department for Education and Skills, click here: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm
The Government has announced funding of £52.2 million to set up 240 “extended schools” in communities throughout England. Targeting disadvantaged areas initially, the new community schools will be in place by 2006 and will provide recreational facilities, childcare and support for parents. The provision of additional resources is expected to reduce teachers’ workload allowing additional time to focus on teaching. The goal is to raise standards in literacy, numeracy, and healthcare. (Source: BBC News, 3/13/03: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2844367.stm)
The Scottish Executive
has published “Think Global, Act Local: International Education
in Communities”. It offers practical ideas and advice about how
an international dimension can be incorporated in community learning and
development activities. (Source: NGfL Scotland Bulletin 4/11/03)
The paper is available for download from the DfES website, which also includes background information on ICT in schools and the Government’s policy commitment: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/ictinschools/
The Scottish Parliament elections were held on 1 May. Cabinet ministers with responsibilities for education are as follows: Deputy First Minister
and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning - Minister for Education and Young People - Peter Peacock (portfolio includes responsibility for education, nurseries and childcare). The Scottish Parliament
website provides details of the ministerial portfolios and Jane Davidson held onto her position as Education Minister for Wales following the elections to the Assembly on 1 May. To read more about her vision for education in Wales, go to the Press Release for 22 May at: http://www.learning.wales.gov.uk/ Vocational and Higher Education Ultraversity: Studying Full-Time, Working Full-Time One of Europe’s leading developers of online learning resources, Ultralab, has developed a radical option for those wishing to study and work full-time: Ultraversity. The new online university claims to differ from traditional distance learning options as it is completely integrated to the individual’s current job. Rather than using study as a leapfrog to a different job, individuals study to enhance their current position and professional fulfillment. Each course is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and provides mentors and the support of other students. Standards are monitored closely to ensure they meet the required level. The degree is three years long and differs extensively from a traditional undergraduate degree: the first year focuses on making sure the student has the basic skills necessary for the course of study; the second year focuses on the “action research” connected to their job; the third year is taken up by preparation for an exhibition of the research undertaken. The idea for the Ultraversity grew from the existing online learning resource, Notschool.net, which Ultralab successfully developed for those excluded from traditional school for an extended length of time. At present, degrees will be awarded to Ultraversity students via their partner Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge. It is envisioned that there will be other university partners. The Ultraversity partnership is a bonus in the goal to widen participation in higher education to students from non-traditional backgrounds – it fulfills the goal, ensuring extra funding to universities, at the same time the university does not have to accommodate the student in the traditional way. For more information: http://degree.ultralab.net (Source: The Guardian, 4/15/03)
Research conducted
by staff at the University of Glasgow has concluded that students from
disadvantaged backgrounds are facing problems with access and progression
in higher education. Personal financial difficulties are still a major
barrier. The research was funded
by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and a summary of (Source: NGfL Scotland bulletin, 5/16/03)
The Government has published proposals for widening participation in higher education that outline the remit of the new Office for Fair Access (OFFA). The purpose of the new body is to encourage the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education. The office will require universities that opt to charge the “top-up” fees to a maximum of £3,000 per year to draw up a five-year agreement which will require them to undertake outreach work to attract non-traditional students, and also offer financial help such as bursaries. If the university breaks the agreement, there will be a financial penalty. OFFA is an independent body but is supported by the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE). It is hoped that the new office will be in place by 2005. A recent study carried out by the London School of Economics and the London Institute reveals that middle class children have benefited far more than their working class peers from the expansion of higher education over the last twenty years. The Government’s goal is to redress this imbalance. Click here to download the Government’s widening participation paper: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/highereducation/ (Source: Guardian Unlimited, 4/8/03; education.guardian.co.uk)
The Scottish Executive’s
department responsible for Lifelong Learning has published a report about
initiatives designed to improve the transition of young people into post-compulsory
education and work. The report outlines a number of positive developments
such as inclusiveness projects, access and support initiatives that aim
to improve To read the report,
“Inclusiveness being implemented, Potential being realised: the
Beattie National Action Group Progress Report and Future Priorities”,
click here: The merger of Manchester
University and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
(UMIST) has been kick-started with an additional £80 million funding.
The two institutions will be dissolved in fall 2004 to form the UK’s
biggest university with an estimated 34,000 students. A new name is currently
under discussion and a new vice-chancellor will be appointed. (Source: Times Higher, March 7, 2003) The University of
Glamorgan and the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff have announced
plans to merge, forming a new institution which will cater for 30,000
students. The result would be the largest university in Wales and one
of the biggest in the UK. The target date for the merger is August 2004.
(Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk, March 11 2003.) Upcoming Events/Conferences July
2-4, Stirling: FACE Annual Conference: Learning Transformations September
24-25, Glasgow: “SETT 2003” 20-24
July, Pittsburgh, PA: FUTURE LEADERS INSTITUTE The Future Leaders Institute is the first key stage in the leadership project. This 5 day program in Pittsburgh will focus on the development of generic college leadership skills and knowledge and will cover such issues as:
Five places have been reserved for UK participants this year and one of the tutors is also British. UK candidates for this year’s Institute will come from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For further information contact: Jenny Scott at Jenny.Scott@us.britishcouncil.org
If there are any topics you would like to see covered in future editions of the Update, please contact: alison.corbett@us.britishcouncil.org, Education Research Officer, The British Council USA
jenny.scott@us.britishcouncil.org
Director Education, The British Council USA To add or remove a name from the distribution list, please email alison.corbett@us.britishcouncil.org |