Category Archives: Sec Ed

Changing Landscape

Hilary Moriarty reports from the State Boarding Schools conference, where speakers included Professor Sir Tim Brighouse and Ian Hislop

Bac to the future

We would all be in favour of raising standards in education. But why does it government seem intent on making it harder to appear to do well?

Election 2010: we’re in bits and pieces

Ask a voter what really matters in this election, and most will say the NHS, some will say the economy. It’s surprising how few appear to say education. Surprising, when you think that we have just as much vested interest in education as we have in health. Lives are dictated and shaped by education. With… Read More »

What do you do for a living?

Ah, there’s the rub. Some occupations are worth choosing for their kudos value in conversations with strangers. “Rocket scientist” has a nice ring to it; instant respect; what enormous brains you must have. And these days, “footballer’s wife” has potential; what big – no, let’s not go there. The rocket scientist may have the sneaky… Read More »

Exams vs Education

You mean you still want us to educate people? Why didn’t you say so?! Hilary Moriarty reacts to the recent claim by universities that students reaching them are not fit for their courses

Diploma-tic Immunity

Ever since the league tables arrived, schools have channelled their energies into getting the best examination results for the most children. Of course, schools should produce the best examination performance possible from every child, because a basic education for all, up to GCSE at least, is, ultimately, what schools and education are for. It may… Read More »

First Thing

Here’s the good news: all primary children will have one-to-one tuition to make sure they can all read by the time they leave primary school. Brilliant. Secondary teaching will become an absolute doddle. Say, “turn to page 12”, and the whole class will be right there with you, getting every word. The democratisation of secondary… Read More »