Good week for
Great teachers. A new report from The Sutton Trust, which looks at what teaching techniques work and how teachers should be assessed, has found that popular approaches, such as lavishing praise on pupils and encouraging students to discover key ideas for themselves, may be harmful.
Student absences. The National Association of Head Teachers will issue new guidelines for school leaders about on what constitutes an “exceptional circumstances” in which children can miss school.
Bad week for
School Direct. The rise of School Direct has had a significant impact on universities’ ability to provide teacher training and is causing a shortage in Stem teachers, according to a new report from Universities UK. David Green, vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, has written an interesting response here.
The cost of school. A Children’s Commission on Poverty inquiry has found that families are struggling with the hidden costs of sending their children to school. Many have been forced to take out loans and are struggling to get money together for uniforms and learning materials.
What you’re saying
We asked you to share your half term antics with us this week, and plenty of you have obliged with everything from baking to basking in the autumnal sun. Teacher Jackie Schneider’s snap was particularly delicious, making mincemeat and steaming her Christmas pudding. Yum!
@GuardianTeach #HalfTerm baking pic.twitter.com/22hDfa2OlU
— jackie schneider (@jackieschneider) October 28, 2014
Photograph of the week
Sticking with our half term theme, this lovely picture from Mrs Clark perfectly sums up what the break is about – time with family and good book.
@GuardianTeach #halftermteachers There's nothing like a good book :) pic.twitter.com/4h4Xf8W3ND
— Mrs Clark :) (@DistrictMrsC) October 28, 2014
The week in numbers
A National Audit Office report found that there are 1.6 million pupils in England who are still not getting a good education and a failure to deal with under-performing schools.
A new report from the NSPCC has revealed a worrying increase in unhappiness among young people in Britain. Child Line held 34,517 counselling sessions in 2013-14 with children who talked about suicidal thoughts – a 116% increase since 2010-11.
If you are a university graduate from a private school you’re likely – on average – to earn thousands of pounds more than a state-educated peer.
Instead of being indoors watching TV, children prefer to play outside according to the parents and children surveyed by Eureka Children’s Museum in West Yorkshire. 81% of respondents said children prefer time outdoors.
Dates to remember
Remembrance Sunday is on 9 November, commemorating Armistice Day, which falls on Tuesday 11 November. It’s also World Diabetes Day on Friday 14 November.
Resources for you
• More than 16 million people died during the first world world. Discover how the act of remembrance developed with this stunning gallery.
• Discover how obesity raises fatty acid levels which can cause diabetes.
• Teach younger students about senses in animals and humans.
• Ask pupils to identify a range of different occupations using these colourful illustrations.
Blogs and comment
- A teacher speaks out: I’m effectively being forced out of a career that I wanted to love
- Ofsted should inspect religious teaching in faith schools, says Tristram Hunt
- Teacher spends two days as a student and is shocked at what she learns
- Popular bloggers on French for students and teachers
- Infographic: 10 signs you are a tech-savvy teacher
Quote of the week
“Curled cup like a cat with a wobbly pile of unread books” – this sounds like heaven to me. Thanks for sharing your half term activities with us Alex Seaford.
@GuardianTeach curled up like a cat, with a wobbly pile of unread books; and some excellent DVDs pic.twitter.com/44m292GkuS
— Alex Seaford (@aly_sea) October 28, 2014
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If you are concerned about a child, you can encourage them to contact ChildLine anonymously on 0800 1111 or direct them to the website www.childline.org.uk. If you’re an adult worried about a child you can contact the NSPCC’s helpline 0808 800 5000 for advice and support.
