An international study found that children aged 10 and 14 in England were the highest-achieving overall in maths and science among European countries, and among the top 10 worldwide.
Source: Linda Sturman et al., England's Achievement in TIMSS 2007 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), Research Brief RBX-18-08, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Brief | DCSF press release | NUT press release | ATL press release | NASUWT press release | Guardian report | BBC report | FT report
Date: 2008-Dec
The interim report was published of an independent review of the curriculum for England's primary schools. It called for a more flexible, less 'overloaded' timetable, with six broad 'areas of learning' replacing individual subjects. It also called for children to learn more about well-being, happiness, and healthy living.
Source: The Independent Review of the Primary Curriculum, Interim Report, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report | DCSF press release | QCA press release | NUT press release | NASUWT press release | ATL press release | Voice press release | NSS press release | Conservative Party press release | BBC report | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | TES report
Date: 2008-Dec
A report called for the abolition of standard assessment tests (SATs), the schools inspectorate (Ofsted), and the national curriculum, on the grounds that they had become counterproductive and damaging to the all-round education of young people. Schools should be deregulated and depoliticized, and should be trusted to decide and act on the best interests of their children without interference by government or its agencies.
Source: Michael Bassey, Politics and Primary Schools: What parents should know before the next election, National Association of Head Teachers (01444 472472)
Date: 2008-Nov
Statistics were published for 2007-08 (England) on attainment by different pupil characteristics – including gender, ethnicity, eligibility for free school meals, and special educational needs. Girls outperformed boys for both the foundation stage profile and key stage 1; pupils of mixed white and Asian heritage and Irish pupils achieved above the national average for the foundation stage profile; Chinese pupils, pupils of mixed white and Asian heritage, and Indian pupils achieved above the national average for key stage 1; pupils not eligible for free school meals performed better than those eligible for free school meals for both the foundation stage profile and key stage 1.
Source: Attainment by Pupil Characteristics, in England 2007/08, Statistical First Release 32/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR
Date: 2008-Nov
According to provisional statistics, 64.6 per cent of pupils in England achieved 5 or more grades A*-C at GCSE or equivalent in 2007-08. This was an increase of 3.2 percentage points from 2006-07. (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: GCSE and Equivalent Results in England 2007/08 (Provisional), Statistical First Release 28/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | Conservative Party press release | Guardian report | BBC report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Oct
According to provisional figures, the average point score per candidate aged 16-18 entered for A-level or equivalent qualifications in England in 2007-08 was 733.5, compared with 731.2 in 2006-07. (GCE = General Certificate of Education; VCE = Vocational Certificate of Education; A = Advanced; AS = Advanced Subsidiary)
Source: GCE/VCE/Applied A/As and Equivalent Examination Results in England, 2007/08 (Provisional), Statistical First Release 29/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2008-Oct
The government announced that 'personal, social, health and economic education' (PSHE) would become a compulsory part of the curriculum from key stages 1 to 4 (ages 5 to 16). Lessons would cover sex and relationships, personal finance, and the consequences of drugs misuse. The announcement followed publication of two review reports.
Source: House of Commons Hansard, Written Ministerial Statement 23 October 2008, columns 15-17WS, TSO (0870 600 5522) | Review of Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) in Schools: A report by the External Steering Group, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260) | Drug Education: An Entitlement for All – A report to government by the Advisory Group on Drug and Alcohol Education, Department for Children, Schools and Families
Links: Hansard | DCSF press release | Speech | SRE report | Drug report | Citizenship Foundation press release | UK Youth Parliament press release | Unicef UK press release | NASUWT press release | Voice press release | FPA press release | SEF press release | Relate press release | THT press release | DrugScope press release | YWCA press release | Methodist Church press release | FET press release | BBC report | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Oct
The inspectorate for education and children's services said that pupils' participation and achievement could benefit significantly from getting involved with activities outside the classroom: but not all schools and colleges were reaping the full benefits, because some did not incorporate many off-site experiences into the curriculum.
Source: Learning Outside the Classroom: How far should you go?, HMI 070219, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (07002 637833)
Links: Report | OFSTED press release | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Oct
Results were published of the foundation stage assessments for 2007 (children in England aged 5). The percentage of children achieving a good level of development in maintained schools in 2008 was 49 per cent, compared to 45 per cent in 2007 and 44 per cent in 2006.
Source: Foundation Stage Profile Results in England, 2007/08, Statistical First Release 25/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Sep
An article examined the effects of social class and gender on subject choice for children aged 14-16 in England, over and above effects attributable to students' ability. The effect of socio-economic background was significant in relation to some subject choices, and was stronger for females than for males. The evidence suggested that existing policy aimed at increasing subject choice within and between schools would deepen differences between the subjects studied by students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Source: Peter Davies, Shqiponje Telhaj, David Hutton, Nick Adnett and Robert Coe, 'Socioeconomic background, gender and subject choice in secondary schooling', Educational Research, Volume 50 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Sep
A study found that a majority of secondary school teachers doubted the value and accuracy of 'Sats' (standard assessment) exams. Teaching to the test or 'coaching' was seen to be the principal reason for inflated key stage 2 results.
Source: Anastasia de Waal with Fatima Vali, Fast Track to Slow Progress, Civitas (020 7401 5470)
Links: Report | Civitas press release
Date: 2008-Aug
A think-tank report said that poor quality 'vocational' or 'vocationally related' qualifications at GCSE were locking both low-income pupils and vocational education into second-class status.
Source: Anastasia de Waal, School Improvement – or the 'Equivalent', Civitas (020 7401 5470)
Links: Report | Civitas press release
Date: 2008-Aug
Campaigners highlighted significant differences in the GCSE attainment of children from low-income households in different education authorities across England. In the worst areas, fewer than 1 in 4 of those children receiving free school meals achieved five good (A* to C grade) GCSEs – compared to 59 per cent of those in the best area. (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: Press release 20 August 2008, End Child Poverty (020 7843 1913)
Links: ECP press release | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Aug
Provisional information was published on the achievements of pupils in England in the 2008 national curriculum assessments at key stage 1 (age 7). Compared to the equivalent final 2007 figures, the overall percentages achieving level 2 or above remained the same in all subjects.
Source: National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 1 In England, 2008, Statistical First Release 21/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Aug
Provisional information was published on the achievements of pupils in England in the 2008 national curriculum assessments at key stage 2 (age 11). The percentage achieving level 4 or above represented an increase of at least 1 percentage point in English and mathematics, and a smaller increase in science, compared with 2007.
Source: National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2 in England, 2008 (Provisional), Statistical First Release 19/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | NASUWT press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Aug
Provisional figures showed that the cumulative percentage of A-level results graded A-E increased by 0.3 percentage points in 2008, from 96.9 per cent to 97.2 per cent. There was an increase of 0.6 percentage points in the percentage of candidates awarded a grade A – from 25.3 per cent in 2007 to 25.9 per cent in 2008. (A = Advanced)
Source: National Provision GCE A Level Results – June 2008 (All UK candidates), Joint Council for Qualifications (0161 958 3737)
Links: Report | JCQ press release | DCSF press release | UUK press release | CBI press release | NUT press release | NASUWT press release | TUC press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report | FT report | Telegraph report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Aug
GCSE results for 2008 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland showed continuing improvements. Overall achievement increased by 1.2 percentage points at grades A*-A (from 19.5 per cent in 2007 to 20.7 per cent in 2008); by 2.4 percentage points at grades A*-C (from 63.3 per cent to 65.7 per cent); and by 0.4 percentage points at grades A*-G (from 98.0 per cent to 98.4 per cent). (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: Press release 21 August 2008, Joint Council for Qualifications (0161 958 3737)
Links: JCQ press release | Results tables | DCSF press release | NASUWT press release | CBI press release | Liberal Democrats press release | FT report | BBC report | Guardian report | Telegraph report | Personnel Today report
Date: 2008-Aug
Provisional information was published on the achievements of eligible pupils in England in the 2008 national curriculum assessments at key stage 3 (age 14). The percentage achieving level 5 or above represented a decrease of no more than 1 percentage point in English, an increase of at least 1 percentage point in mathematics, and a decrease of no more than 2 percentage points in science, compared with 2007.
Source: National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 3 in England, 2008 (Provisional), Statistical First Release 20/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | NUT press release | NASUWT press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Aug
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on the testing and assessment regime in schools in England. The government said that it strongly agreed with the Committee's conclusions on the importance of national testing, to help teachers to focus on ensuring that every pupil could achieve their full potential.
Source: Testing and Assessment: Government and Ofsted Responses to the Committee's Third Report, Fifth Special Report (Session 2007-08), HC 1003, House of Commons Children, Schools and Families Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response | MPs report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report said that there was a 'systemic crisis' of general (or 'academic') education in the 14-19 phase in England. General education was selective, particularly post-16, casting a shadow over 'alternative' vocational provision; it encouraged mechanical and instrumental learning habits; the individual subject approach failed to support a broad and coherent curriculum; the emphasis on examinations, exacerbated by their use in performance tables in England, contributed to learner alienation and drop-out; and learners of all abilities, who did remain in this route because of its status and progression opportunities, were often unchallenged and bored. The report described the government's defence of GCSEs and A-levels as 'politically inspired'.
Source: Ann Hodgson and Ken Spours, General Education in the 14-19 Phase, Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training/Department of Educational Studies/University of Oxford (01865 274037)
Links: Report | IOE press release | Telegraph report | FT report
Date: 2008-Jun
The education inspectorate in Wales said that schools and local education authorities were making progress in sharing their expertise and good practice on curriculum developments more widely. But very few authorities were able to show a clear link between curriculum development activities funded by the 'Better Schools Fund' scheme and improvements in outcomes for learners.
Source: Impact of the Better Schools Fund on Curriculum Development, HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (029 2044 6446)
Links: Report | HMCIETW press release
Date: 2008-Jun
A paper said that the national curriculum was too 'centrally prescriptive', and warned that it would only develop successfully if teachers, not government or its agencies, became key players.
Source: Richard Pring, The Whole Curriculum 14-19, Issues Paper 7, Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training/Department of Educational Studies/University of Oxford (01865 274037)
Links: Paper | Nuffield press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-May
Researchers examined evidence on how pupils in primary schools were grouped for learning, including setting and within-class grouping. Setting by ability had no clear advantages, but could have a detrimental effect on children in the bottom groups. There was a clear case for small classes in the reception year, and for classes smaller than 25 for those children with most ground to make up in literacy.
Source: Peter Blatchford, Susan Hallam, Judith Ireson and Peter Kutnick, with Andrea Creech, Classes, Groups and Transitions: Structures for teaching and learning, Research Survey 9/2, The Primary Review/Faculty of Education/University of Cambridge (01223 767523)
Links: Report | Briefing | Review press release | Cambridge University press release | GTCE press release | NUT press release | BBC report | TES report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-May
A think-tank report said that the number of young people leaving school without 5 basic GCSE 'G' grades, including in English and maths, had risen, despite billions of pounds of investment in education. Almost 90,000 pupils fell into the category in 2007, the highest figure since 1998. (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: Chris Skidmore, The Failed Generation: The real cost of education under Labour, Bow Group (020 7431 6400)
Links: Report | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Apr
The Scottish Government announced that it would consult on changes to the national qualifications system for children, to take effect from 2009-10. A new general qualification would replace the standard grade and intermediate exam system, focusing strongly on the development of literacy and numeracy skills.
Source: Press release 24 April 2008, Scottish Government (0131 556 8400)
Links: SG press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Apr
An article reported a case study of a review of assessment policies for schoolchildren in Wales aged aged 7-14. It analyzed what was understood by the term 'evidence', and the expectations associated with a commitment to evidence-informed policy.
Source: Richard Daugherty, 'Reviewing national curriculum assessment in Wales: how can evidence inform the development of policy?', Cambridge Journal of Education, Volume 38 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Mar
The government announced that it would introduce a new 'extended diploma' to recognize and reward a larger range of achievement by all students. The extended diploma would be available across all 17 'lines' from 2011, and it would be available at every level – being equivalent to 4.5 'A' levels, and 9 GCSEs. (A = Advanced; GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: Speech by Ed Balls MP (Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families), 7 March 2008
Links: Text of speech | DCSF press release | ASCL press release | NASUWT press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Mar
The education inspectorate in Wales said that schools needed to focus on improving the basic literacy skills of boys in order to start closing the gap between boys' and girls' attainment in schools.
Source: Closing the Gap between Boys' and Girls' Attainment in Schools, HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (029 2044 6446)
Links: Report | HMCIETW press release
Date: 2008-Mar
Researchers found that both teachers' classroom practice and overall school-level factors made a significant difference to children's academic and social/behavioural progress during primary school (after controlling for the influence of child, family, and home factors, and prior attainment).
Source: Pam Sammons et al., The Influence of School and Teaching Quality on Children's Progress in Primary School, Research Report 028, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Date: 2008-Mar
Final statistics for key stage 3 (age 14) tests in England in 2007 confirmed that the percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or above (the expected level) was: 74 per cent in English (up 1 percentage point from 2006); 73 per cent in science (up 1 point); and 76 per cent in mathematics (down 1 point).
Source: National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 3 in England, 2006/07 (Revised), Statistical First Release 06/2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | DCSF press release | NUT press release | NASUWT press release | Liberal Democrats press release | Telegraph report | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2008-Feb
The government announced a new £25 million 'Find Your Talent' scheme, designed to give young people in England the chance to experience high-quality arts and culture. The programme would be piloted in 10 areas. It would ultimately offer children 5 hours of arts and culture per week, during and outside the school day.
Source: Press release 13 February 2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: DCSF press release | NCH press release | NASUWT press release | NUT press release | PAT press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Feb
A study examined the effect of a more able peer group on pupil attainment in GCSE exam results. 'Significant, positive, and non-trivial' effects were found of a more able peer group in English and mathematics. (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: Adele Atkinson, Simon Burgess, Paul Gregg, Carol Propper and Steven Proud, The Impact of Classroom Peer Groups on Pupil GCSE Results, Working Paper 08/187, Centre for Market and Public Organisation/University of Bristol (0117 954 6943)
Links: Working paper
Date: 2008-Feb
A report said that there was more external, standard testing in primary schools in England than in many comparable countries. Testing happened more frequently; it started at a younger age; it occurred in more subjects; its outcomes were published in league tables; and it was used for both pupil assessment and school accountability.
Source: Kathy Hall and Kamil Ozerk, Primary Curriculum and Assessment: England and other countries, Research Survey 3/1, The Primary Review/Faculty of Education/University of Cambridge (01223 767523)
Links: Report | Summary | Review press release | PAT press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb
Researchers found that reducing school class sizes in an attempt to raise pupil achievement was a 'waste of money' for all but the youngest children.
Source: Press release 25 February 2008, Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Links: IOE press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb
A study used exogenous changes in the proportion of girls within school cohorts to estimate the effect of a more female peer group. Large significant negative effects were found of a more female peer group on boy's outcomes in English. In maths and science, both boys and girls benefited from a more able peer group up to age 11.
Source: Steven Proud, Girl Power? An analysis of peer effects using exogenous changes in the gender make-up of the peer group, Working Paper 08/186, Centre for Market and Public Organisation/University of Bristol (0117 954 6943)
Links: Working paper
Date: 2008-Feb
Researchers examined alternative ways of thinking about the primary curriculum. There was evidence that such alternatives could be at least as effective as mainstream approaches. Common themes included: more time spent on reading with and to children; less time with computers and television; greater emphasis on the life of the imagination; continuing emphasis on literacy; genuine partnership between teacher and taught; and a more intimate institutional – as opposed to class – environment.
Source: James Conroy, Moira Hulme and Ian Menter, Primary Curriculum Futures, Research Survey 3/3, The Primary Review/Faculty of Education/University of Cambridge (01223 767523)
Links: Report | Summary | Review press release | NUT press release
Date: 2008-Feb
Information was published on pupil performance in England in 2006-07, analyzed by ethnicity, English as a first Language, free school meals, and special educational needs. At GCSE and equivalent, 62.8 per cent of pupils from higher-income families got 5 or more A* to C grade GCSEs, compared with 35.5 per cent of those from low-income families. (GCSE = General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Source: National Curriculum Assessment, GCSE and Equivalent Attainment and Post-16 Attainment by Pupil Characteristics, in England 2006/07, Statistical First Release 38/2007 (updated), Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: SFR | Liberal Democrats press release | Guardian report | BBC report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Jan
The government published the terms of reference for an independent review of the primary curriculum (led by Jim Rose). The review would provide a report and recommendations by March 2009 so that agreed changes to the curriculum could be implemented by September 2010.
Source: Press release 9 January 2008, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0870 000 2288)
Links: DCSF press release | Hansard
Date: 2008-Jan
A report said that patriotism should be taught in schools as a 'controversial issue'. Pupils should not be encouraged to love Britain, because it had a 'morally ambiguous' history.
Source: Michael Hand and Jo Pearce, Should Patriotism be Promoted, Tolerated or Discouraged in British Schools?, Institute of Education/University of London (020 7612 6050)
Links: IOE press release | BBC report | Telegraph report
Date: 2008-Jan
