News Wakefield scandal THE Government has named its eight preferred trusts to take over Wakefield City Academies Trust (WCAT) schools. Just days into the new term, WCAT announced it was unable to rapidly improve its 21 schools so was giving them up. Only four WCAT schools were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Kevin Courtney, NEU Joint General Secretary, called for an inquiry into the scandal. “We question whether the eight named ‘preferred’ academy trust sponsors have the capacity and track record to take on these schools. The NEU is also concerned about apparent conflicts of interest,” he said.
No mental health help for 50,000 children MORE than one in four children in need of mental health support are being turned away, an Education Policy Institute (EPI) report has found. Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request indicate 26.3 per cent of children referred to specialist services were rejected. The EPI estimates this amounts to 50,000 young people. Waiting times for specialist treatment to start are now on average 56 days but some have to wait up to 112. Kevin Courtney, NEU Joint General Secretary, said: “The Government must properly fund services so that every child who needs support is assessed and treated quickly.”
DfE refuses approval for AQA qualifications THE Government has refused to sign off nine out of ten of Assessment and Qualifications Alliance’s (AQA) new vocational qualifications. Just as the new term was starting, AQA revealed that only one of its new ‘technical awards’ – performing arts – had been approved by the DfE. Dr Mary Bousted, NEU Joint General Secretary, said: “Schools have wasted months in preparing to teach, and the exam boards in preparing to supply, the qualifications, only to have the rug pulled from beneath them.”
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The Teacher: Nov/Dec 2017
Black History Month Positive education THE untold story of black people in the history curriculum was the theme of a London Black History Month celebration. The event, on 29 September, was organised by the London Black Teachers’ Network (LBTN). “Schools and teachers lie at the heart of a successful future for multi-racial Britain and we feel that it is important for them to have adequate resources to be able to make all their students feel included when teaching history in schools,” said network chair Betty Joseph-McIntosh. “Our story has too long been neglected, and negative stereotyping has to be challenged by positive education of black people’s past and present.” The event featured resources, stalls and workshops looking at how black people’s stories could better feature in the new history curriculum. Speakers included mathematician Astehmari Batekun, RAF Sergeant Cyrus Pocha and Sarah Buntin from the Black Cultural Archives. Michael Williams, of BIS Education, facilitated a black scientists workshop on
Francoise and Sam at the LBTN event
the African contribution to history. Cheryl Phoenix, founder of The Black Child Agenda, shared her work supporting parents whose children had been excluded from school. And Jack Beula (Nubian Jack), presented his new book, Remembered: In Memoriam, a collection of essays, articles, and narratives by black authors. Members of the network also produced a free teachers’ resource pack to take away, share with colleagues and use in their classroom.
Black Scientists and Inventors THIS series of seven books contains biographies of notable black scientists and inventors from the UK, America, the Caribbean and Africa. There are questions, timelines, glossaries and bibliographies to aid lesson plans and discussions. Covering both literacy and STEM subjects, the books can be adapted by teachers for Key Stages 1-4. I have used the books across the curriculum and highly recommend them. They are excellent resources and should be embedded into a culturally inclusive curriculum in every school. Beverley Hillman Black Scientists and Inventors (books 1-7), by Michael Williams, Ava Henry, Djehutiu-Ankh-Kheru and Jegna Robinson. BIS Publications. £7.99-£8.99.
December departure for Calais convoy MEMBERS from Newham and Redbridge are currently volunteering with Care4Calais. “It’s a year on from the destruction of the Jungle and the need is greater than ever,” said Simon Shaw from Redbridge NEU: NUT section. “Hundreds of refugees are sleeping rough, many are children.” The next Care4Calais convoy, delivering essentials like sleeping bags and warm clothes, is on 10 December. To find out how you can help, email care4calais.org “We have produced a T-shirt which Kevin Courtney is modelling in this picture,” Simon said. All money goes to Care4Calais. To buy one, email sjshaw@talk21.com