Until a couple of weeks ago, teachers were coping with many of the "unpoliceable" teenagers making headlines in the past few days. It's hardly a coincidence that violence has broken out during the holidays, when young people are cut adrift from the rules and routines of schools and colleges.
Susan Young (@susanyoung_) has written an excellent blog on the NAHT site about the fallout teachers are likely to face on their return to school - kids who've been traumatised by events, some who may have been involved in looting or rioting, others whose homes will have been lost.
Cannibal Kids, by young London performance poet Kate Tempest (@katetempest), has never seemed more relevant - and a strong starting point for a classroom discussion. Here's a brief and fairly random extract I've transcribed, but do watch her perform the whole thing on YouTube.
These cannibal kids want to be kings
But there ain't no royalty left
Because, round here, the sirens and screams float on the wind
And even the street shudders
Yes even the street shudders
Round here
These cannibal kids want to be kings
They don't know that kindness is courage
Or that sympathy sings much louder than violence
They are bitter and drained
Eyes of ice stare from figures of flames
They, puff-chested, restless, nameless
They carry their pain to the point of being painless…
(Thanks to @poetcurious for introducing me to this poem.)
Follow events on the Guardian's live blog, and take a look at #riotcleanup on Twitter and this page on Facebook, really positive examples of what social networking can do.
Education news from the Guardian
• In a curious coincidence of timing, we're running an interview Jessica Shepherd did with Liam Burns, the new NUS president, last week in which he talks about why he supports the direct action tactics of protest group UK Uncut. Here's an extract from Jess's story:
Burns describes UK Uncut's form of protesting as "civil disobedience" and "non-violent direct action". He argues that this is reasonable in the face of the government's "savage" cuts to education and ministers' "disregard" for young people.
Violence and destruction, on the other hand, are disproportionate reactions, he says. "Disruption to the system is one thing, expecting those who have nothing to do with the decisions being taken to clean up after you is quite another."
• The Open University has bucked the £9,000 tuition fee trend and kept its 2012 rise to £5,000. This may sound modest, but it'll price many older learners out of higher education altogether.
• We have a lovely review of new museums and galleries to visit over the holidays, and a picture gallery of some of their exhibits.
• Melissa Benn says streaming pupils gives them a label for life - much better to opt for mixed-ability groups.
On the Guardian's higher education network
• Can we make doctoral researchers better collaborators? The University of Sussex has created a dedicated study space and locus of activity for doctoral researchers and research staff. The project's creators explain the thinking behind it.
• Supporting vocational learners: a focus on transition from FE to HE. The University of Westminter's Wayne Clark discusses a Lifelong Learning Network project exploring the impact of HE on the career development of vocational learners.
On the Guardian careers site
Watch out for tomorrow's live Q&A: What to do with a degree in psychology, Explore the range of career choices available to psychology graduates and find out about the employers who'll value your expertise.
Education news from around the web
• The "Skillionaires Club", published today, is a list of 100 people who have made themselves a fortune without ever receiving an academic qualification, the Independent reports.
"Their success stories have been given added significance this year, with more than 200,000 applicants expected to be turned away from university. The debate continues to rage in political circles over whether the UK is encouraging too many young people to lock themselves into a degree."
• The National Careers Service Advisory Group is concerned that schools - rather than local authorities - will now be expected to provide careers advice for pupils but without funding being transferred. It tells the BBC that services are being cut before adequate replacements are created. There's a blog about the careers advice cuts on the Local Schools Network (@localschools_UK) - its author, Helena, points out:
"After what we saw in London last night I would say this topic is more pertinent than ever … youths with nothing to do and no direction."
• Onestowatchmedia.com (@ones_to_watch) rounds up student newspaper reports of the unrest.
• The Telegraph has a piece on how to get your child into private school on the cheap.
• Anthony Seldon says of course Carol Vorderman is right to call for maths up to the age of 18 - and then bangs his IB drum - in the Independent.
• Vorderman declares "more than 300,000 16-year-olds complete their education without a sufficient understanding of maths to help them avoid the sort of debt consolidation company that she endorsed for 10 years". Says News Thump.
Tell the Guardian about your school's A-level and GCSE achievements
The Guardian would like to highlight your pupils' GCSE and A-level success this summer. We are asking schools to respond to a few quick questions about their pupils' results as soon as you receive them - on 18 August for A-levels and 25 August for GCSEs. Please take a note of the following web pages and return to them to fill in your results on those days:
We want to tell our readers how well your pupils have performed and are looking forward to mapping the success of young people across the country.
Education seminars from Guardian Professional
This seminar will provide independent advice and information on framing a research proposal, the process and pitfalls of a research degree and career prospects.
9 September, London.
Making the most of media opportunities to enhance your school's profile
Whether it's sharing good news or handling a crisis, headteachers and school management teams need to be able to handle the media in all of its forms. This one-day seminar in association with the NAHT is essential for new and aspiring heads as well as established school leaders who wish to update their knowledge. It includes a session on social media.
20 September, London.
Using social media to enhance the student experience
As tuition fees rise, so too do student expectations. Social media is an effective, low-cost way to manage this challenge. This seminar will explore newly conceived best practice, techniques and strategy for all higher education staff: academic, communications, recruitment, marketing and strategy.
22 September, London.
Whether it's getting published, convincing an employer that you have transferable skills, or securing an academic post, you need to be fully prepared to achieve your goals. This course will help you identify career opportunities for those with research skills and specialist knowledge.
28 September, London.
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