There's a lot of excitement this morning about journalist Janet Murray's (@jan_murray) decision to hire herself an apprentice.
With tuition fees on the rise, and many young people considering alternatives to university this year, she's offering a unique opportunity for one lucky school-leaver.
She argues that we are so obsessed with getting young people to university, we've lost sight of the value of learning on the job. She also thinks journalism should be opened up to non-graduates. Jan tells me she's had dozens of tweets in response so far.
Wannabehacks (@wannabehacks) has blogged on the pros and cons of Jan's offer - which it broadly thinks is:
"a really interesting idea, a fantastic opportunity, and one that will attract a great deal of attention".
Meanwhile Jeevan Vasagar reports that thousands of school-leavers have applied for new corporate-sponsored degree courses or apprenticeship schemes that offer a direct route into a graduate level job.
And Jess Shepherd tells us that Southwark council, in south London, has promised to pay the university tuition fees of some of its poorest teenagers in the first scheme of its kind in the country.
How we're collecting A-level results from schools this year
As you've probably realised, we're changing the way we collect your A-level results this year. On results day, please go to this address http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/a-levels/create/report (which will be working then!) and fill in the form. Your results will then be plotted on a map and you'll be able to see how your results compare with others in your area and around the country. You will also have the opportunity to write about your school's special achievements. You will not need a login this year.
Education news from the Guardian
• Warwick Mansell (@warwickmansell)has written an illuminating piece about the rise of Co-operative schools - the number has trebled in just over a year - and the difference in values between these schools and privately sponsored academies.
• Meanwhile campaigners hoping to set up free schools face a setback after ministers diluted proposals to let schools open in shops and houses without planning permission.
@GiftedPhoenix tweets:
"New DCLG planning guidance quietly gives an amber light to grammar school expansion."
• Private colleges have been given the go-ahead to mount a legal challenge against a Theresa May's clampdown on "bogus" foreign students.
• Furious that Michael Gove found no room for music in his Ebacc, musicians have launched a national campaign to persuade ministers of the importance of studying the subject at school. Canadian blogger Joe Mower has posted a cartoon that could well be applied to the Ebacc.
• The government is wasting money by funding poorly-managed colleges, a powerful committee of MPs has warned.
• Lucy Tobin (@lucytobin) has written a definitive guide to clearing - with great advice on what students should be researching now, and what they should do on the day. Highly recommended for A-levellers and their parents.
Guardian view
Danny Dorling Students' futures have been stolen from them - they face a life of debt if they go to university and it's all for the benefit of the rich.
On the Guardian higher education network
David Green University admissions crisis could lead to summer of student discontent.
Sir Tim Wilson talks to Sue Littlemore about the government review of university/industry collaboration
Education news from around the web
• Students at Glasgow University are celebrating a victory after one of the longest sit-ins in British history, beginning six months ago in a protest about spending cuts and the closing of a social club for postgraduates, the Independent reports. The students will move out at the end of the month after reaching agreement with the university which they say will ensure no further cuts and a new club, to be opened in the new year.
• A history lecturer, Leif Jerram, has told undergraduates that their future job prospects would suffer if they gave Manchester University low scores in the National Student Survey, the Telegraph reports.
"In an email sent during the autumn term, he said the previous year's undergraduates rated the history department the fourth worst in the country, adding: 'If our own students keep saying that this history department is failing to provide a satisfactory education, eventually employers will listen to that official verdict. You will suffer, and the value of your degree will collapse.'"
• Universities are cracking down on students who try to boost their A-level results by doing resits, says the Telegraph. Leading universities are excluding them from their most sought after courses.
• Colleges say cuts are forcing them to slash "enrichment" spending - on areas such as careers advice, sport and mentoring, the BBC reports.
• Teachers have been subjected to online abuse and cyberbullying by pupils and parents, says the BBC. Research carried out by the University of Plymouth found parents were responsible for a quarter of the abuse suffered by teachers.
• There's been more traffic to the Business and Management Studies page of our Guardian University Guide 2011 than for any other subject. So we can assume that's the subject topping the wishlist of young people this year. But what if you don't have the grades, or the cash, to do a university course? The Association of Accounting Technicians has been in touch to tell us that it offers a fast-track, non-graduate route into chartered accountancy. And students can study as part of an apprenticeship - another way to keep costs down.
• Don't forget to join #ukedchat this Thursday, and every Thursday, 8-9pm, for educators' Twitter chat. This week, @chrisleach78 will be leading on how to change the attitude that it's not cool to do well in school.
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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EducationGuardian resources
The Guardian University Guide 2011
The Guardian Postgraduate Guide 2011
The world's top 100 universities
Updating table of university fee announcements for 2012
From Guardian Professional
The Higher Education Network for university professionals
Free online classroom resources on the Teacher Network
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