Secondary
Friday
Should science GCSEs be compulsory for all?
While a basic, functional scientific literacy may prove useful to students in later life, Ian Abrahams questions whether it is desirable or practical for chemistry, physics and biology to be compulsory at GCSE
How to talk to students about politics - without bias
As professionals, we tend to shy away from talking politics at school. Yet, by ignoring the topic altogether, we leave students unprepared for an important and unavoidable aspect of adult life, says Nathan Burns. He shares his approach to exploring the subject in the classroom
Thursday
Tes focus on... nurture groups in secondary schools
They are well established in primary as an effective way of supporting children who are having difficulty adjusting to school life, but nurture groups can also be successful in supporting older students and boosting attendance among vulnerable groups, finds Chris Parr
Are timed exams really the best way to assess students?
Research shows that having students take exams under timed conditions may not be the fairest or most accurate way to assess what they have learned. So, in light of the current exam hiatus, Charlotte Noon and Martin Noon ponder if now might be a good time to change the system
GCSEs 2021: Teachers criticise ‘shocking’ exam material
Teachers express disappointment that exam board material for A level and GCSE grading are all from existing papers that they already had access to
Monday
GCSEs and A levels 2021: The assessment guidance so far
With teachers awarding GCSE and A-level grades this year, here are the key dos and don’ts from official guidance
Grading GCSEs is relentless - but we all need a holiday
The burden of awarding GCSE grades lies heavy on teachers – but it’s vital to take a break at Easter, says Louise Lewis
Friday
GCSEs 2021: 10 key points in new grading guidance
The exam boards finally revealed their guidance for how teachers should award GCSE and A-level grades this year – here are the key details
Why university-style lectures don’t work for A level
A-level classes are the dream for many teachers but a sudden switch from activity-based GCSE learning to university-style lectures can make the subject a struggle for you and your students, says Shabnam Ahmed
