Headlines
Decline in student science uptake
Source: BBC- Wednesday, 28 June 2006, 10:20 GMT 11:20 UK
The number of students in Scotland taking most science subjects has fallen markedly, it has emerged.
Source: BBC- Wed, 28 June, 2006.
An independent school head teacher has called for a review of GCSEs and A-levels, saying confidence in the examinations was at an all-time low.
"Instruction is taking the place of education, instruction is squeezing out good teaching so we can't discriminate the intellectually gifted from the very well drilled," he said.
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The article pinpoints a fundamental problem that schools are facing worldwide. We are producing 'examination smart' rather than intelligent students. Teaching seems to have an obsession to "complete the syllabus"; most teachers admit they do, as this is what is expected in a system that is driven by 'written examinations' and the league table!. It is high time we ask ourselves, what should we teach and how should we teach? How far are teachers constrained by a system that makes contradictory demands on them? Are teachers and children aware and ready to put in the effort that teaching and learning demands today, in a world where competition is inevitable? Those who happen to be both examinations smart and 'intelligent', by chance or by the fact that they possess the 'cultural capital', who succeed! Email your comments to omvarma@intnet.mu or Click here to Submit Comment |
California Court Reinstates Statewide Exit Exam for High Schools
Primary school truancy crackdown
Source: BBC- 28 May, 2006
Ministers have ordered a crackdown on truancy and absence in primary schools after figures showed a rise in the number of children failing to attend.
Read full article
Source: BBC- 28 May, 2006
Ministers have ordered a crackdown on truancy and absence in primary schools after figures showed a rise in the number of children failing to attend.
Read full article
Schools consulted on new project
Source: BBC- 26 May 2006
Schools are being asked their views on a special project being introduced for pupils who go on to study at A-level.
Source: BBC- 26 May 2006
Schools are being asked their views on a special project being introduced for pupils who go on to study at A-level.
In Baby Boomlet, Preschool Derby Is the Fiercest Yet
Source: By SUSAN SAULNY, Published: March 3, 2006, New York Times The fierce competition for private preschool in New York City has been propelled to such a frenzy this year by the increased numbers of children vying for scarce slots that it could be mistaken for a kiddie version of "The Apprentice."
School standards rise - inspector
Source: BBC, Monday 23 Jan 06 Overall standards in schools in Wales are continuing to improve, according to the annual report by the schools inspection body, Estyn.
Minister exercised over PE issue
Source:BBC, 16 Jan, 2006 Only one in 20 primary school pupils in Scotland is receiving two hours of physical education a week, the education minister has said.
College makes Chinese compulsory
Source: BBC, Mon 16 Jan, 2006 An independent college is becoming the first in Britain to make Mandarin Chinese a compulsory subject.
California Parents File Suit Over Origins of Life Course
Source: New York Times, by LAURIE GOODSTEIN, 10 Jan 2006 The course is a four-week high school elective on intelligent design, creationism and evolution and is being offered as a philosophy course. Read full article