A level of discontent

Michael Gove’s call for increased involvement by elite universities in formulating A-level examination questions attracted both media attention and considerable controversy,  yet it’s  consistent with Gove’s more general intentions for A-level - replacing modular assessment with end of course examinations, ranking some subjects above others in terms of difficulty and reducing the importance of ‘process’ skills in favour … Continue reading A level of discontent →

Unemployment ‘stabilises’

New unemployment figures might show relatively small increases – a  24 000 rise in the total jobless total up from 8.3%  to 8.4%, though women continue to be hit hardest making up nearly 80% of the increase.  If according to government minister Chris Grayling unemployment is now ‘stabilising’, then the figures mask clear trends reflecting longer-term … Continue reading Unemployment ‘stabilises’ →

‘Education is like trying to run up a down escalator’

If Michael Gove gets his way, more teenagers will fail their GCSEs and A-levels.  Gove intends to make exam questions harder which will mean pass rates will fall after increasing every year for a decade.  At GCSE level, coursework will be phased out and more emphasis placed on written tests. Modularisation will be ended and … Continue reading ‘Education is like trying to run up a down escalator’ →

Regeneration e-book now available

Martin Allen and Patrick Ainley                                                                                                                                                     'Overqualified and underemployed' : young people, education and the economy http://www.lwbooks.co.uk/ebooks/Regeneration.html       Regeneration focuses on the question of intergenerational justice. Defining the world's young people as those born after 1979 - a hugely symbolic moment in the history of globalisation - it reflects on the massive growth in generational protest … Continue reading Regeneration e-book now available →

Labour market prospects – no comfort for the young.

Figures  for the final quarter of 2011 show unemployment up by 48 000 at 8.4% or 2.67 million – with significant increases in female joblessness being the result of local government cutbacks. Of course, ONS statistics are just one (narrow) measurement of labour market activity. Using broader indications –including those taking part-time or temporary work because … Continue reading Labour market prospects – no comfort for the young. →

Gove, vocational qualifications and league tables

Michael Gove’s decision to limit how vocational qualifications are included in school league tables is consistent with recommendations in the Wolf report. Wolf proposed restricting vocational learning to no more than 20% of a key stage 4 student’s curriculum, but her proposals   brought her into conflict with the still influential  Lord (Kenneth) Baker -  the … Continue reading Gove, vocational qualifications and league tables →

Turning the Tables?

  The publication of the 2011 league tables sees a substantial increase in the amount of data on school performance – in particular, figures for ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high performers.’ This year’s tables also include more statistics for the English Baccalaureate – with many inner city multi-cultural schools finding that despite continuing to improve their … Continue reading Turning the Tables? →

Latest unemployment figures speak for themselves

Latest  ONS  figures for the period Sept to Nov 2011 show:  1.04 million - 22.3% of ‘economically active’ 16-24 year olds are unemployed - up by 53 000.   829 000 -   20.8% of ‘economically active'  18-24 year olds are unemployed - up by 44.000. 729 000 unemployed 16-24 year olds ‘not in full-time education’ - … Continue reading Latest unemployment figures speak for themselves →

Curriculum Wars ?– Gove goes again!

In a widely reported speech, Michael Gove tried to project his ‘moderniser’ credentials to an audience of ‘techies’at the recent BETT show. Describing ICT lessons as being ‘off-putting’ ‘demotivating’ and ‘dull’ Gove is removing ICT’s status as a core National Curriculum subject – it will, like technology and citizenship, now just be part of the … Continue reading Curriculum Wars ?– Gove goes again! →