In a car, some five years ago, my then Headteacher Ian Knights, informed me I had to get a handle on political conversation. I sighed. Ever since, I have tried to respond to Ian’s call to action.
This mornings Deputy and Assistant Heads’ Conference opened with Malcolm Trobe’s (ASCL Deputy General Secretary) summary of a post election government.
Policy Update
Conservative policy, the manifesto intentions 38). Of course the manifesto was written with the forethought that conversation and negotiation would follow, of course, this will not be required. What will be the implication of this unchallenged position?
Data will become more, not less important. Data should be considered progress over time – that time frame, 3 years. Ebacc compulsory for “All” for Year 7 pupils, from 2016. Be assured that ASCL is encouraging that the Ebacc be considered an “offer” rather than “compulsory.”
Recruitment remains an issue (maths and physics in particular). Where else might we find these skills from within our staff?
You will hear politicians highlighting a “real terms” increase in the school budget. This is in fact correct, more money is going into the system, that is simply because there are approximately half a million more pupils going into the system. 500 new free schools / UTCs. Wilshaw’s tenure comes to a close in 2016?
Reducing paperwork, reducing marking (“deep learning” and the use of “student feedback”).
Comparable outcomes, cap pupils attainment. SAT results improved in 2014, we should therefore see an improvement in the 2019. This of course shines a spot light on Ofquals interest in National Reference Test.
The summary here, the challenges facing the system; rising pupils numbers, improving attainment, funding constraint, teacher recruitment, curriculum and assessment changes, accountability measures, impact of technology, growing leadership capacity. “Teaching effectively is leadership away,” so see developing teachers, as an opportunity to develop senior leadership aims – (Allan Foulds ASCL Vice President).
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