A Bridge too Far or a Differentiated Curriculum

Debbie Clinton, Principal of Nunthorpe Academy, offers a worthwhile defence of the now abandoned English Baccalaureate.  We need, she argues, a curriculum that challenges and educates young people according to ability; and this challenge should include the most able.  Sadly, it would seem that British Education is once more the victim of a political will that lacks backbone.

Drama, Tragedy or Necessity

Patrice Baldwin bemoans the threat to Drama in the British Curriculum.  As an ex-Drama teacher I have some sympathy for her argument; Drama is an exciting way to teach and learn.  At the same time, however, my feeling is that the British curriculum is too diverse, students are encouraged to learn subjects in isolation.  My preference would be to find overlaps, embedding drama, media, ict, even art and music, into a cohesive programme of study.  Students can specialize later.

New Exam System for Britain

Ben Morse puts up a strong argument against the proposed changes to the exam system.  He says that the changes are classist, ill thought-out and not fit for purpose.  Whilst I cannot agree with him on many points, I do not see classics as classist, I like his comments on the choice of title, English Baccalaureate.  He criticises this French title on the grounds that it is French and already a recognised qualification.  He suggests something English instead, English Middle Certificate for example.

Raising the bar for exams

The joke above, borrowed from The Guardian, comes at a time when Borris Johnson is also reported for voicing his support for Grammar Schools.  I can see the arguments against each, why shouldn't all children have the same opportunities and the same challenges.  At the same time our refusal to acknowledge that some children are better logico-linguists than others seems unfair.  I am reminded as I write of my only outing playing GAA for a local team.  I was awful, and the Manager never invited me back.  The same should be said for academia, or the 100 metres.  Usain Bolt would not be challenged to compete if all entrants to a 100 metre race were entitled to a gold medal.  Similarly young academics will not be challenged to learn if the bar to success is set too low.  Our education system must be designed to serve all.