Late baptisms soar as parents chase Catholic school places - Independent Online Edition > Education News: "Meanwhile, Britain's faith schools are facing a recruitment crisis with a lack of committed Christian teachers available to take up headship or teaching roles. Liverpool Hope University, the only ecumenical university in Europe, is holding a careers fair next Tuesday specifically aimed at students considering a career as a teacher in a faith school."
This, however, is just sad. The idea that only Christian teachers should teach at a Christian school is, quite frankly, baffling. I went to a religious school, it is now an independent school run by the Church Schools Company, yet I would have difficulty in naming more than five or six or the teachers who were committed Christians.
Indeed, I would go so far as to say that two-thirds of the teaching staff grudgingly sat through the hymns and assemblies, and a few were actively hostile to organised religion. They had no problem in having a job at a nominally religious school, whilst remaining quiet about their own beliefs. Maybe what we need is teachers who are better liars, rather than better Christians...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Late baptisms soar as parents chase Catholic school places - Independent Online Edition > Education News
Late baptisms soar as parents chase Catholic school places - Independent Online Edition > Education News: "Research published today shows baptisms of children aged between one and 13 make up nearly a third of all entrants into the Church (30.3 per cent) compared with just 5.4 per cent 50 years ago. This represents a rise from 6,925 children to 20,141.
In the same period, the percentage of 'cradle' baptisms into the Church has gone down from 85 per cent to 64 per cent in the same period. The figures show there were 108,996 cradle baptisms in 1958 and 42,425 in 2005 – the last year for which figures are available."
It's good to see that even the immortal souls of our children are up for sale, at the moment...
In the same period, the percentage of 'cradle' baptisms into the Church has gone down from 85 per cent to 64 per cent in the same period. The figures show there were 108,996 cradle baptisms in 1958 and 42,425 in 2005 – the last year for which figures are available."
It's good to see that even the immortal souls of our children are up for sale, at the moment...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Doubts surface over multi-faith schools | Schools special reports | EducationGuardian.co.uk
Doubts surface over multi-faith schools | Schools special reports | EducationGuardian.co.uk: "'It is not the policy of the government or my department to promote more faith schools. There are no plans to expand the number - that should be a matter for the local community."
This is utterly disingenuous, of course. Whilst it is true that many different types of groups can become sponsors of academies; those with the time, resources and desire to get their hands on the minds of the young tend to be religious or business groups.
Whilst it might not be the policy of the government to promote faith schools, it is the policy of the government to continue a scheme which has seen the number of faith schools rise, and faith groups have said they will use to increase the number of faith schools in the future...
This is utterly disingenuous, of course. Whilst it is true that many different types of groups can become sponsors of academies; those with the time, resources and desire to get their hands on the minds of the young tend to be religious or business groups.
Whilst it might not be the policy of the government to promote faith schools, it is the policy of the government to continue a scheme which has seen the number of faith schools rise, and faith groups have said they will use to increase the number of faith schools in the future...
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Evening News 24 - Parents slam academy decision
Evening News 24 - Parents slam academy decision: "However today Rosalie Monbiot, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said they had noted the petition, but felt that the signatories were mistaken in believing the new academy would be a faith school.
She said: “Whereas before the opinion from consultations had been in favour of the academy, this time we had the reservations expressed by the governors of Heartsease and the local parents. We recognised that to some extent and I think to be fair, the petition was based on a lot of misinformation."
This shows, quite clearly, that the academy programme is not meant to be as responsive to the concerns of parents and local people as it is to those of potential sponsors of schools. The fact that the council member feels free to dismiss legitimate concerns as 'disinformation', whilst pushing through a plan to which there is considerable local opposition.
Central government is being appealed to, to force Heartsease to close, even after academy plans were rejected by the local council. This move shows the venality of the academies programme, the desire, at any cost, to sell our children's education to the highest (or, in some cases, lowest) bidder.
She said: “Whereas before the opinion from consultations had been in favour of the academy, this time we had the reservations expressed by the governors of Heartsease and the local parents. We recognised that to some extent and I think to be fair, the petition was based on a lot of misinformation."
This shows, quite clearly, that the academy programme is not meant to be as responsive to the concerns of parents and local people as it is to those of potential sponsors of schools. The fact that the council member feels free to dismiss legitimate concerns as 'disinformation', whilst pushing through a plan to which there is considerable local opposition.
Central government is being appealed to, to force Heartsease to close, even after academy plans were rejected by the local council. This move shows the venality of the academies programme, the desire, at any cost, to sell our children's education to the highest (or, in some cases, lowest) bidder.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Big green teaching machine | Special Reports | Guardian Unlimited Politics
Big green teaching machine | Special Reports | Guardian Unlimited Politics
"In the library, an alphabetical list of random buzzwords runs down one wall: 'organic grown, ostrich, outperform'."
This is a long article extolling the architectural virtues of Westminster Academy. However, because the building has only been in use since September: "its performance educationally is impossible to assess." Hopefully, all of its problems will be solved by a "straightforward atrium layout".
"In the library, an alphabetical list of random buzzwords runs down one wall: 'organic grown, ostrich, outperform'."
This is a long article extolling the architectural virtues of Westminster Academy. However, because the building has only been in use since September: "its performance educationally is impossible to assess." Hopefully, all of its problems will be solved by a "straightforward atrium layout".
Saturday, January 05, 2008
This is a report of a study by Edinburgh University that found that the 'successes' in academy schools were largely down to pupils being encouraged to take easier subkects. Of course, that's not the whole story, even PwC, in their study for the government, concede that some of the improvement is down to academies having to educate fewer 'problem pupils'.
"But Terry Wrigley, a senior lecturer at Edinburgh University, warns in his study that there has been a 'serious erosion' of traditional subjects as children are enrolled on so-called soft courses to inflate test scores.
His report says there has been a huge growth in pupils taking GNVQs, which can be worth up to four good GCSEs, despite concerns by employers that they are easier to pass than other courses. There has also been a drop in the number of teenagers studying languages, history and geography, it is claimed.
'By the standards of European and other competitor countries, these pupils are poorly educated,' the report says."
"But Terry Wrigley, a senior lecturer at Edinburgh University, warns in his study that there has been a 'serious erosion' of traditional subjects as children are enrolled on so-called soft courses to inflate test scores.
His report says there has been a huge growth in pupils taking GNVQs, which can be worth up to four good GCSEs, despite concerns by employers that they are easier to pass than other courses. There has also been a drop in the number of teenagers studying languages, history and geography, it is claimed.
'By the standards of European and other competitor countries, these pupils are poorly educated,' the report says."
FT.com / World - Press baron courted over academies
FT.com / World - Press baron courted over academies: "The government’s top education adviser tried to enlist the owner of the Daily Mail into backing several city academies intended to force children from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to study together under one roof.
In spite of detailed discussions with Lord Rothermere to set up five so-called “community academies”, the plans were abandoned after company executives feared involvement would muzzle critical coverage by the group’s local newspapers."
There is so much that is disturbing in these two paragraphs, I can't even begin to dissect them now...
In spite of detailed discussions with Lord Rothermere to set up five so-called “community academies”, the plans were abandoned after company executives feared involvement would muzzle critical coverage by the group’s local newspapers."
There is so much that is disturbing in these two paragraphs, I can't even begin to dissect them now...
Academy Set To Be Most Expensive In Uk (from Lancashire Telegraph)
Academy Set To Be Most Expensive In Uk (from Lancashire Telegraph): "THE CONTROVERSIAL Darwen academy is on course to become the most expensive school of its type ever built.
The final cost of the project, originally put at £34million, is now nearer £49million, according to a leaked borough council document.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families reveals that only two other academies, which are opening in September, have come close to this sum, with The Bridge Academy in London costing about £47million and the Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough, about £46million."
The final cost of the project, originally put at £34million, is now nearer £49million, according to a leaked borough council document.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families reveals that only two other academies, which are opening in September, have come close to this sum, with The Bridge Academy in London costing about £47million and the Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough, about £46million."
New Statesman - Schools need to be fair, not free
New Statesman - Schools need to be fair, not free: "Whether sponsored by universities or not, city academies remain independent institutions with deeply undemocratic governance arrangements, which give total control to sponsors in return for little or no capital investment, and which pay lip service to parental representation at any level. They are not covered by the body of education law that governs parents' and pupils' rights on admissions, special needs and exclusions in maintained schools, and are under no obligation to co- operate with other local schools.
I have yet to see a reasonable explanation for why they need these freedoms; unless it is, as many suspect, so that they can improve results by changing their intakes. Independent research carried out for the government in 2005 by PricewaterhouseCoopers seems to suggest that this might be so, given that academies are excluding more children and benefiting from more advantaged intakes than their predecessor schools."
I have yet to see a reasonable explanation for why they need these freedoms; unless it is, as many suspect, so that they can improve results by changing their intakes. Independent research carried out for the government in 2005 by PricewaterhouseCoopers seems to suggest that this might be so, given that academies are excluding more children and benefiting from more advantaged intakes than their predecessor schools."
Evening News 24 - Councillors reject city academy
Evening News 24 - Councillors reject city academy
Old news (I'm just going through some old emails), but good news about Heartsease...
Old news (I'm just going through some old emails), but good news about Heartsease...
New Academies Could Double Councils Transport Costs (from This is Hampshire)
New Academies Could Double Councils Transport Costs (from This is Hampshire): "Councillor Peter Baillie, Cabinet member for education, admitted: 'While the academies will not be faith schools, because the academy sponsors ticked the faith box then pupils will be able to use that for free transport. It's a quirk in the legislation.'"
This is just bizarre...
This is just bizarre...
TES - Teaching jobs, resources & ideas from the Times Educational Supplement
TES - Teaching jobs, resources & ideas from the Times Educational Supplement: "The launch of Faith in the System allowed ministers to present a united front with faith schools after a battle last year over admission quotas. Alan Johnson, the former education secretary, wanted new faith schools to offer guaranteed places to children of a different faith or none but was forced into an embarrassing U-turn."
Pop Star Helps Open Academy (from Enfield Independent)
Pop Star Helps Open Academy (from Enfield Independent): "POP STAR Daniel Bedingfield performed at Enfield's first city academy last week to mark its official opening."
Excellent. The scheme must work, then.
Steve Chalke, Baptist minister and founder of the Oasis trust, which sponsors the academy, said: "For quite a number of years we dreamed of a school opening."
Well, now he's had a school opening. Shame he didn't dream of good, comprehensive education for all, really...
Excellent. The scheme must work, then.
Steve Chalke, Baptist minister and founder of the Oasis trust, which sponsors the academy, said: "For quite a number of years we dreamed of a school opening."
Well, now he's had a school opening. Shame he didn't dream of good, comprehensive education for all, really...
If Balls wants better schools, he must scrap faith selection | Comment | Guardian Unlimited Politics
If Balls wants better schools, he must scrap faith selection | Comment | Guardian Unlimited Politics: "Here is what the IPPR study found, to the rage of the Mail on Sunday: faith schools that administer their own admissions policies are 10 times more likely to be unrepresentative of the social mix in their area than faith schools where the local authority is the admissions authority. Non-religious schools that are allowed to administer their own admissions (academies and foundations) are six times more likely to be unrepresentative of their areas."
Free our schools from a fatally flawed system | Comment | Guardian Unlimited Politics
Free our schools from a fatally flawed system | Comment | Guardian Unlimited Politics: "One in seven was prepared to lie, such as about their faith. The desperate search for a good education is turning middle-class parents into fraudsters."
Poll forces Church to re-examine way it teaches religion in schools -Times Online
Poll forces Church to re-examine way it teaches religion in schools -Times Online: "The Church of England is to re-examine its approach to teaching religion in its schools after a 'surprising' number of people told pollsters that church schools promote 'narrow religious teaching'.
Nearly half of more than 1,000 people polled by The Opinion Research Business said that church schools are different from state run schools, more than a third said they were the same and the rest said they did not know."
This is the same survey Ekklesia referred to, the one the CofE claimed showed that people supported faith schools...
Nearly half of more than 1,000 people polled by The Opinion Research Business said that church schools are different from state run schools, more than a third said they were the same and the rest said they did not know."
This is the same survey Ekklesia referred to, the one the CofE claimed showed that people supported faith schools...
C of E should stop 'spinning' around church schools - think-tank :: Inspire Magazine
C of E should stop 'spinning' around church schools - think-tank :: Inspire Magazine
Ekklesia once again burst the Church of England's bubble, by examining the figures that the CofE claims indicate that the public support faith schools. What they reveal instead is a public deeply skeptical about the quality of sex education in religious schools, and stringly suspicious that they cause social division.
Ekklesia once again burst the Church of England's bubble, by examining the figures that the CofE claims indicate that the public support faith schools. What they reveal instead is a public deeply skeptical about the quality of sex education in religious schools, and stringly suspicious that they cause social division.
camden-news-leak
camden-news-leak
This story from the Camden New Journal should not surprise any of us. The story is that a Lib Dem leader of Camden council wrote a briefing note about the plans for the UCL academy in Camden that suggested that the project could be used to curry favour with voters, and worried that the CofE and other religious groups might predominate if the academy were up for an open bid. It also expressed concerned that an open process would not have the school open in time for the next election.
So far, so local politics.
The worry is that the academy scheme has politicised the provision of education. Now there are worries about the timing of schools, their sponsors, and what effects these will have on local elections. In a move that appeared, ostensibly, to be a challenge to the powers of local government, the powers of local governments has been enhanced in the same way that the planning process does. This opens it to the same sorts of abuses, and does not serve the interests of those who wish to educate children.
Labour leader Theo Blackwell said: "The public interest has taken second place to rather crude political jockeying.” The tragedy is that that is the effect this scheme was bound to have, opening the schooling of pupils up to the highest (or, as we have seen, sometimes lowest) bidder.
This story from the Camden New Journal should not surprise any of us. The story is that a Lib Dem leader of Camden council wrote a briefing note about the plans for the UCL academy in Camden that suggested that the project could be used to curry favour with voters, and worried that the CofE and other religious groups might predominate if the academy were up for an open bid. It also expressed concerned that an open process would not have the school open in time for the next election.
So far, so local politics.
The worry is that the academy scheme has politicised the provision of education. Now there are worries about the timing of schools, their sponsors, and what effects these will have on local elections. In a move that appeared, ostensibly, to be a challenge to the powers of local government, the powers of local governments has been enhanced in the same way that the planning process does. This opens it to the same sorts of abuses, and does not serve the interests of those who wish to educate children.
Labour leader Theo Blackwell said: "The public interest has taken second place to rather crude political jockeying.” The tragedy is that that is the effect this scheme was bound to have, opening the schooling of pupils up to the highest (or, as we have seen, sometimes lowest) bidder.
Concern about head's job over school change - Aylesbury Today
Concern about head's job over school change - Aylesbury Today: "Jonathan Johnson is well respected for pulling Quarrendon out of special measures last year after only 11 months in the job. He is popular with staff, parents and pupils, but if the Government approves Bucks County Council's proposal he will be the only member of staff to not have an automatic job transfer."
This is especially interesting when one realises that the school is to become an academy run by the Church of England, and that academy schools are allowed to make exceptions in their hiring policies. It might be a good time to be a fundamentalist with a desire to run a school...
This also raises questions as to why the school is becoming an academy at all. The school has been pulled out of special measures, and the plan for it to become an academy will mean that no money is spent on the school's facilities until a new school is built in 2011.
Cllr Clayton said: "When it becomes an academy there will be some capital to spend on the school. We will not be able to spend the £4 million needed to bring it up to scratch, but there will be some improvement."
It's also good to know that the money spent will not even bring the school 'up to scratch'...
This is especially interesting when one realises that the school is to become an academy run by the Church of England, and that academy schools are allowed to make exceptions in their hiring policies. It might be a good time to be a fundamentalist with a desire to run a school...
This also raises questions as to why the school is becoming an academy at all. The school has been pulled out of special measures, and the plan for it to become an academy will mean that no money is spent on the school's facilities until a new school is built in 2011.
Cllr Clayton said: "When it becomes an academy there will be some capital to spend on the school. We will not be able to spend the £4 million needed to bring it up to scratch, but there will be some improvement."
It's also good to know that the money spent will not even bring the school 'up to scratch'...
NHS trusts asked to help run city academies - Telegraph
NHS trusts asked to help run city academies - Telegraph: "David Laws, the Lib Dem children's spokesman, said: 'People will be amazed to discover that the Government is bringing in the NHS to sort out the management of under-performing schools.
'What time and skills do NHS managers have that will improve the standards of state education?'"
Of course, the same question could be asked of religious groups and second-hand car salesmen...
'What time and skills do NHS managers have that will improve the standards of state education?'"
Of course, the same question could be asked of religious groups and second-hand car salesmen...
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