Make School Days Longer

I was reminded once again this week that pupils are defined in relation to a teacher, students in relations to learning.  I am astounded then by the latest suggestion from Michael Gove, that the school day should be longer in order to improve performance and make life easier for parents.  If we want children to learn, then we need to give them time to do so; and more controversially, perhaps, parents, not the state, should be looking after their children outside of school hours.

PE Teachers are great

One of the highlights of my career was working with a dynamic, energy fuelled PE Faculty.  The competitive urge is always fraught, needs direction; yet this teacher reminds me of both the adrenalin and the potential of schools with a clear focus.  Harnessing learning through sport and social media he suggests that education is possible.

Getting a school for your child feels like a dirty business

An interesting sentiment, and one that is readily recognisable.  Tim Lott writes about how he chose schools for his children, and how many parents forget their morals as they choose schools for their own.  The idealist in me says that this should not happen, and the critic says that it happens because our schools are just not up to it; we have to do what's best in a crass system.  I remind myself cynically that this is peace-time Britain; everything is as it should be.

A Philosophical Approach to Teaching

As a fan of Socrates I warmly welcome John Taylor's mention of the man.  It is also encouraging to note that he is not asking for a new subject to be added to an already crowded and repetitive curriculum offer.  My only supplement to his recommendation would be, in keeping with the philosophy of the Extended Project Qualification, that we should give students more time to learn.  That is what distinguishes them from pupils; pupils are taught.  For his full article, click here.