This response outlines the NUT’s concerns about the Expert Panel's report for the National Curriculum review. Key criticisms include failure to consider equality and SEN issues; inadequate time for implementation and the need for greater focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

This document provides information on the Government-funded Year 7 Literacy and Numeracy Catch-Up Premium and sets out NUT advice on issues which may affect participating students’ tutors and class

The NUT’s response to the Education Committee Inquiry into the role of school governing bodies.

The NUT is surveying members on the Government’s proposals to replace GCSEs with an English Bacc, to include English, Maths, history, geography, sciences and languages but exclude other subjects. Please do get together with colleagues to discuss the issues so that you can fill in one questionnaire from your school or college. They can be returned to the to the Union at Freepost RSCK-HCRC-HGYJ, National Union of Teachers, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD

The new qualification will be based on external assessment only, and will offer those students who fail a statement of achievement, which will certainly seem less valuable to employers and colleges.

The NUT opposes the English Bacc and is promoting its own alternative to the Government’s proposals.

The NUT’s own 14-19 policy emphasises the importance of an integrated 14-19 system of education without academic or vocational divisions.

To view our joint policy with UCU click here

This response outlines the NUT’s case for qualifications to be embedded and evaluated before new ones are introduced. The response also argues for the retention of the AS level both as separate qualification and as part of the full A level.

NUT’s response to the Dfe‘s consultation on careers guidance for schools, sixth form colleges and further education institutions

The Secondary Bulletin summarises the latest updates on issues in secondary education. This edition includes recent developments in relation to Ofqual guidance on 14-19 examinations, proposed changes to A-levels and career guidance and an overview of the changes expected to be introduced in the new Ofsted framework.

News

• Ofqual announces end to face-to-face exam seminars
• NUT response to the Inquiry into the Administration of Examinations
• What are Studio Schools?
• Duty to provide Careers Guidance extended
• Possible changes to the design of A-levels
• Another new Ofsted framework
• Update on the National Curriculum Review

Archive

• Secondary Bulletin - February 2012

The NUT’s response to the Education Committee inquiry into the administration of examinations for 15-19 year olds stresses the need for a robust system to monitor standards. It also criticises the over-emphasis on examination results for accountability purposes.

This submission to the Select Committee Enquiry on the English Baccalaureate outlines the Union’s opposition to the introduction of the measure. The English Baccalaureate, introduced retrospectively, has had a devastating effect on schools, branding a large number of pupils as failures. Its introduction needs to be reviewed by the Government.

This update outlines major changes that are happening in secondary education - reforms such as the new National Curriculum, HE fees, University Technical Colleges, Studio Schools, New Performance Measures and changes to the Admissions System.

Campaigning issues are highlighted in the update for the Union which include a campaign against the rise in youth unemployment and cuts to local education support services.

This briefing outlines the key features of the new School Admissions Code of Practice which came into force on the 1st February. Attached to this briefing is the Union’s response to the consultation which took place in July 2011.

This NUT response outlines its concerns that making major changes to the HE application system as described in the proposals merits further consideration before such changes are made.

This consolation welcomes the proposal in the consultation so that anyone can object to the Schools Adjudicator admissions arrangements of state-funded schools and academies. The NUT opposed it its response recommendations such as, a change in the Admissions Code.

‘This NUT response argues for a coherent 14-19 system of education that integrates the strengths of existing qualifications and o a broadly – based curriculum for all students having access to vocational learning as well to the arts, humanities, science ,technology, and modern foreign languages.

This response outlines the NUT’s opposition to GCSE changes which include – a requirement that GCSE courses should become available solely on a linear basis and without the opportunity for candidates to re-sit units and that certain subjects should include an element of assessment for grammar, spelling and punctuation’.