Wednesday
Why drama exams lay bare education’s inequalities
Performance may be judged ‘blind’, but you can’t fail to compare and contrast the different experiences of students across the English school system, says this drama examiner
Low prior attainers not harmed by learning in sets, EEF finds
But high-attaining maths students in Year 7 and Year 8 performed worse when taught in mixed-ability groups, according to research from Education Endowment Foundation
Digital literacy should be taught across subjects, says AQA
Exam board says digital literacy should not be optional if young people are to be prepared for the demands of modern life
Why a new EEF study should not stop debates on setting
New EEF research shows that high prior attainers made slower progress in mixed-ability classes, but the overall picture is nuanced, writes Becky Francis
Tuesday
Banning ‘not seen, not heard’ phone policies would be foolish, MPs told
Government under pressure to go further with its restrictions on phones in schools – but unions warn of the cost of solutions such as introducing lockable pouches for devices
Teaching about British Empire must improve, report finds
Teachers want more support in handling ‘difficult conversations’ about the British Empire, study shows after canvassing 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students
Is this the best way to structure pupils’ AI learning?
The head of AI for Globeducate outlines an approach to AI education that puts students into three age stages
Heads demand funding for ‘crumbling’ school buildings
School leaders warn of ‘ageing buildings that aren’t even warm or watertight’ as the NAHT prepares to debate the issue of funding for the school estate at its annual conference
Monday
The arts must not be reduced to day trips, warns NEU
The arts are too often sidelined in favour of English and maths, says NEU president during event calling for ‘restoration’ of arts to the curriculum
Supply agency fee capped at £55 per day under DfE ‘mandate’
New policy aimed at saving schools money is welcomed, but heads’ union points out that fewer supply staff would be needed if teacher recruitment and retention were improved
7 key findings from annual academy trust accounts report
The DfE’s sector-wide report and accounts show deficits rising, higher staff costs and millions of pounds of extra financial support
Council trials AI to tackle ‘substantial’ EHCP backlog
Cambridgeshire County Council hopes artificial intelligence will address ‘significant and growing’ EHCP workload
