THIS WEEK
1-7 SEPTEMBER 2012
SATURDAY
Like cures like
The fallout from the GCSE marking crisis continued with reports on Ofqual’s investigation. The solution to those disappointed by marking problems with exams is more exams, the watchdog decided.
SUNDAY
Not so fancy free schools
About half of the brand spanking new free schools opening this term will not have new buildings, The Sunday Times reported. Instead lessons will be held in church crypts, a nurses’ home and a Jobcentre Plus.
MONDAY
How long till half term?
Buckets and spades packed away, stationery purchased, lessons planned and pupils wearing oversized new uniforms. It can only mean one thing: back to school week. Good luck, teachers, TES salutes you.
TUESDAY
Political musical chairs
Reshuffle fever gripped the media as expectant politicians waited to see who had landed the brief in charge of government paperclips. No move for Michael Gove, but a big shake-up in the rest of his department.
WEDNESDAY
Keep a lid on it
Research claimed that behaviour in schools is far worse than official statistics show. One in four trainees apparently admit to having fewer than half their lessons under control. Best not to be so candid when Ofsted is about.
THURSDAY
The votes are in
Today marks the end of the NUT’s ballot on strike action to protect pay and working conditions. According to general secretary Christine Blower, it could lead to joint action by 85 per cent of the teaching profession.
FRIDAY
Back to the drawing board?
A report by the left-leaning Institute for Public Policy Research thinktank warns that academies and free schools will not close the attainment gap between rich and poor, even if they all become outstanding schools.
NEXT WEEK
8-14 SEPTEMBER 2012
SATURDAY
Festival of fun and games
Suffering from Olympics withdrawal? Catch the annual Igfest (festival of interesting games) in Bristol. Revisit your childhood with street games and “mass social interaction”. Doesn’t that usually happen on Facebook?
SUNDAY
Pedal power
Ipswich cycling fans are set to welcome Olympic hero Sir Bradley of Wiggins (Wiggo to his mates), alongside super-sprinter Mark Cavendish, as the first day of the Tour of Britain pedals on through.
MONDAY
Laureate on loan
Children’s Laureate and The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson begins a tour of 35 libraries, in a show of support as many face the axe. She will also be pushing for greater links with schools. A call that is, ahem, overdue.
TUESDAY
After much consideration
Keep your eyes on the literary prize as the Man Booker shortlist is announced. The list will be whittled down from contenders including Hilary Mantel’s Bring up the Bodies, Will Self’s Umbrella and Michael Frayn’s Skios.
WEDNESDAY
University staff strike ballot
Unison will ballot its members on strike action over universities’ 1 per cent pay offer. Ministers promised “good value for money” for students following the introduction of fees of up to #163;9,000. Is this what they meant?
THURSDAY
Dedication’s what you need
Guinness World Records 2013 is released today. Colyton Grammar School in Devon hopes to make the grade for the most people dressed as a storybook character in one place. What other bizarre records will be broken?
FRIDAY
Architects on the edge
There are just two days left to catch the Royal Academy of Arts’ The Weird, the Wacky and the Wonderful exhibition, which includes a mix of “refreshing, entertaining, playful and provocative quirkitecture”.
