Poorest schools hit hardest by Covid
State schools were twice as likely as independents to have high levels of staff absences during January, according to the Sutton Trust.
‘Exams dictate, distort and diminish’ “ENGLAND’S exam system needs to change. Equality, diversity, inclusion and health and wellbeing must be central to an assessment system that has a positive impact on all students.” That was the message delivered by Professor Louise Hayward, who chaired the NEUfunded Independent Assessment Commission (IAC), in its report published last month. The IAC report – Qualifications for a New ERA: Equitable, Reliable Assessment – is the result of a year-long review of assessment and qualifications for learners aged 14-19. It was launched at an event in Westminster on 2 February, attended by MPs from all the main political parties as well as businesses, stakeholders and members of the commission. Head teacher and past NEU president Robin Bevan, a member of the IAC, said at the launch: “Exams currently dictate, distort and diminish the value, relevance and enjoyment of secondary school in England. “Educators across the country are clamouring for equitable and reliable assessment reform, so all pupils can experience worthwhile and motivating progression in learning, and an affirming and inclusive pathway towards their future role in society.” The commission’s aim was to establish a set of principles to underpin the future of assessment and qualifications. IAC chair Louise Hayward, professor of educational assessment and innovation at the University of Glasgow, selected academics, groups representing parents and students, the NEU, the Chartered College of Teaching, the EDGE Foundation and the Confederation of British Industry to sit on the commission. ‘Just learning how to pass exams’ Its report expressed concern that the current exam-centric approach to assessment was doing a disservice to many young people who excel and learn in different ways. Businesses and employers also reported that the focus
n Read the report at neweraassessment.org.uk
(Above) IAC members at the launch of the report (Below) National Union of Students vice-president (further education) Salsabil Elmegri and NEU past president Robin Bevan PHOTOS by Carmen Valino
on exams in school meant that young people were often left ill-prepared for employment. In a video played to attendees, students from University Technical College South Durham shared their thoughts. “We’re just learning how to pass exams. Our whole mind is focussed on them,” explained Krish. His classmate, Elizabeth, said: “Some kids get extremely stressed, like myself, to the point where we think: what’s the point?” The report’s ten recommendations include fundamentally changing GCSEs, so they are not based only on exams, and trialling alternative approaches to high-stakes exams in schools. Any new approach must take into account teacher capacity, said the commission. A set of principles to instigate a national conversation about assessment and qualifications is also set out in the report.
Exams info too late ADVANCE notice of the content of this year’s exams comes too late to help stressed staff and students, said NEU joint general secretary Mary Bousted. “Had the information come at the start of the academic year, as NEU members were calling for, teachers could have used it to plan powerful learning and maximise classroom time,” she said. “There is just one half-term left until Easter to rush through any content.”
educate Your magazine from the National Education Union (NEU)
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