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The article focuses on illegal exclusion of students from schools in Great Britain. It discusses the case of illegal exclusion of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also includes information on the exclusion of students with special educational needs and disability (SEND), role of Department for Education, and concerns of Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills.

The article discusses examinations in Great Britain and offers a comparison of and statistics about the A-levels, the international baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge pre-university, and the 14-19 diplomas. It is thought by some that the other post-16 qualifications could signal the end of A-levels but Peter Bodkin of Tettenhall College believes this is not the case. The IB program at Hockerill Anglo-European College in Hertfordshire is discussed.

Reports on the alleged plan to replace GCSE and A-level exams in Great Britain. Qualifications reforms; Four-level diploma system. INSET: Win a university place or a job at just 14..

Focuses on the plans of the British government to solve the problems facing schools in London, England, by appointing an education commissioner or tsar. Tsar's responsibility across the boroughs for tackling various education-related issues; Efforts to improve schools in the city; Unions' response to the government's plan. INSET: CAPITAL FACTS, by Amanda Kelly..

Reports on the boycott against the government's performance pay scheme for experienced teachers in Great Britain. Lack of school budgets; Recognition for discretionary extra increments; Progress of the pupils, parents and teachers.

The article discusses the fear of headteachers over the plan to convert church schools into academies by 2022 in England. Topics discussed include the potential losing of autonomy by schools under the academisation proposals, the warning of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) on the costs of the academy conversion per schools, and the formation of the multi-academy trusts (MAT).

The article focuses on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSCE), which will be offered in state schools in Great Britain in September 2010. According to Edexcel, over half of students were given a grade of A*s in biology and physics in IGSCE, but two out of three students receive A* to C in GSCEs. A spokesperson from Department of Education notes that the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) will examine Edexcel's IGSCE for accreditation. INSET: The same, but different.

The article focuses on the history and potential of the Diploma courses linking both vocational and academic education in England. It states its several advantages which include being highly motivational to students, fits the need of the youth for learning, and will greatly help employers. Several weaknesses are also mentioned including its expensiveness, the lack of work experience of Diploma students particularly on the subject that they are studying, and resorting concerns on its content.

The article reports that Cambridge University has rejected the proposal by Great Britain Education Secretary Michael Gove to end A-level examinations, warning on the effect of the change and providing strong support to the existing system.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles from previous issues including "Even if Sats go, accountability must stay" in the May 8, 2009 issue, "Science to be dropped as core primary subject" in the May 1, 2009 issue, and "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teachers" in the May 8, 2009 issue.

The article discusses the British diploma program for ages 14-19, introduced in September 2008. Designed to include elements of both vocational education and academic work, the program has had mixed reviews. Students who are pursuing it seem for the most part to be enjoying it, but the rate of new student enrollment is low. Some observers see a problem in that the diploma does not prepare students for specific jobs, but teaches them about the field, leading to possible disappointment. INSET: Background to reforms.

The article discusses the inquiry led by former chief schools inspector Lord Sutherland into the marking of the Sats examination from the year 2008. The customer service provided by the U.S. education contractor Educational Testing Service (ETS) was found to be unacceptable and lacking professionalism. The report recommends that ETS's successor should create a panel of test examiners and school leaders and consult with them on grading changes. Other results from the inquiry are discussed. INSET: The steps that led to the marking catastrophe.

The article reports on the performance of British students in mathematics and science according to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (Timss). It notes that the 2008 results are the best Britain has received in eight years, though students report lower rates of enjoyment in studying mathematics and sciences. Educational ministers comment on curriculum reforms which will address student attitudes.

The article discusses the accuracy and validity of the data monitoring system used and developed by the Fischer Family Trust charity. Particular focus is given to inaccuracies regarding predicted academic achievement in non-core subjects including drama, music, and physical education. The use of predicted grades to set performance management objectives is also discussed. INSET: How trust works.

The article focuses on the struggles faced by British subject associations. It notes that membership in such institutions has declined since the early 2000s. Explanations for the decline in popularity experienced by subject associations are examined and include government focus on particular areas of the national curriculum, national policy focusing on general teaching skills rather than on subject-specific matters, and a shift in the way teachers view their professional status.

The article discusses educational change in Great Britain, particularly the reforms planned by Shadow School Secretary Michael Gove. Gove has argued that some of the assessments used in Britain are useless. Among his recommendations is that the British Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) would not be permitted to lower testing standards and another recommendation is geared towards educational accountability.

The article discusses a qualification in Great Britain that gives sixth-formers credit for doing community service. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) baccalaureate has been criticized by some because it would require so much work of participants. The requirements for the degree are outlined and include good A-level examination grades and participation in an extracurricular activity. John Fairhurst of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) talks about the degree.

The article examines research conducted by educational researcher John Hattie which suggests encouraging students to question their teachers is the most effective way of improving education. It discusses self-assessment by students and interaction between students and teachers as approaches to educational change. It also discusses the importance of allowing students to make mistakes as part of the learning process.

The article discusses ETS Europe, which will no longer be responsible for administering the national curriculum assessments (Sats) in Great Britain. The company has been blamed for mismanaging the test and is likely the reason that key stage three Sats have been discontinued. ETS Europe's Philip Tabbiner made comments before the British Parliament that have led many to feel that the company did not understand the scope of the undertaking.

The article discusses the British government's decision to discontinue key stage three national assessment curriculum testing (known as Sats). Another important decision was to end the contract with ETS Europe because of the mismanagement of the grading of the 2008 Sats tests. British Schools Secretary Ed Balls comments on these changes and their implications for teachers and students including a test that may replace the key stage three. INSETS: The main points;Secondary soundings on KS3 scrapping.

The article discusses the results of an investigation into young people aged 16-18 in Great Britain who are classified as not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The research was carried out by Nuffield 14-19 Review and Rathbone. The study found that many were concerned about gangs and violence in their areas. The study also reported on student expulsion, school attendance rates, and academic achievement.

The article reports on the performance of male and female students on British university admissions tests. It notes that while females traditionally score higher on A-level examinations and on General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) tests, boys have earned higher marks on a pilot of the SAT exam used in the U.S. It also reports that while the SAT is intended to help universities identify academic talents of poor students, children from poor families do not perform well on the exams.

The article reports on British schools still awaiting the results of the May 2008 Key Stage 2 and 3 national exams. It notes that the marking system used by testing firm ETS Europe was unable to distinguish between the results of students with the same names, causing their exams to be sent to the National Assessment Agency. Difficulties for students, administrators, and target setting are addressed.

The article reports on educational choices made by poor British students that may affect their ability to attend university. It reports that economically disadvantaged students are more likely to select vocational qualifications such as the OCR nationals rather than A-levels or General Certificates of Secondary Education. The possibility of early links between educational qualifications and social classes is discussed.

The article focuses on vocational guidance for students beginning at the age of seven in order to offset the effects of celebrity culture. It notes that primary schools are encouraged to invite visitors from the community to talk about their jobs with students in order to increase awareness of career options. John Crookes, an adviser for the British Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) comments on the lack of positive role models available, particularly for poor children.

The article focuses on the organizations involved with the grading of national examinations in Great Britain in 2008. The organizations discussed are ETS Europe, an examination grading company, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). The actions and the culpability of the organizations are assessed.

The article focuses on the designation of failing schools in Great Britain. It explains that schools with fewer than 30 percent of pupils with five or more A*-C grades on GCSE (General Certificates of Secondary Education) will be labeled as failing, according to benchmarks set by the government and its National Challenge Program. The fact that their is ambiguity about which schools are on the list is also examined.

The article discusses additions to the league table rankings for primary and secondary schools in Great Britain. It examines indicators of the proportion of students achieving expected levels in English and mathematics at key stages 2 and 3, of student performance in modern languages, and of student progress following the General Certificate of Secondary Education. Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) president Brian Lightman comments on the emphasis placed on statistical targets.

The article focuses on the A-level examination requirements in Great Britain for the subject of modern language. It explains that literature will no longer be required and discusses the criticisms this change has prompted. The intent of the changed format is to stretch the students' abilities in English and ask them to answer other types of questions.

The article discusses changes to the British national curriculum, with particular focus given to key stage three curriculum. It notes that key stage three changes will be introduced beginning in September 2008 and will continue through 2010. Goals of the curriculum include removing content duplication between subjects, increased teaching flexibility, and promotion of cross-curricular abilities such as thinking skills. INSET: Fundamentals, minus the wishy-washy.

The article reports on the results of A-Level examinations taken in 2008. It notes that over 97 percent of participants received passing grades, and that students in Northern Ireland received higher scores than those in England and Wales. Experts hypothesize that the continued improvement in A-Level scores may reflect efforts to persuade young people of the importance of studying.

The article examines the role of the British government in managing the national testing curriculum. It notes that British Secretary for Children, Schools, and Families Ed Balls has named the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority responsible for problems regarding the administration of the Key Stage Tests. Particular focus is given to delays in scoring exam papers. INSET: Lessons that went unheeded and came back to haunt Sats.

The article focuses on the national curriculum in Great Britain. It discusses the debate held on the issue of how broad the curriculum should be and examines the disagreement held between former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and her education secretary, Kenneth Baker. The state of the curriculum in 2008 is also explored. INSET: Practical skills focus narrows courses.

The article focuses on the debate surrounding the possible implementation of a national curriculum in Great Britain. Information about the history of the debate is provided and the role of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) is discussed. The state of the curriculum in 2008 is explored, including its focus on cross-curricular lessons. INSET: 'They took a sledgehammer to crack the nut of a minority of....

The article focuses on the summer school program offered by Wellington College in Great Britain. It explains that the school is hosting summer school for gifted students as a way to reach its requirement for outreach work established by the Charity Commission. The partnerships between private and public schools in the country are discussed and comments from Jerry Oddie, the chairman of the Surrey Heath Area Partnership for Education (Shape), are included.

The article focuses on the grading of school papers in Great Britain. It explains that the National Assessment Agency (NAA) promised teachers to have the papers marked by July 8, 2008, but that the deadline may not be reachable. The marking was taken over by the company Educational Testing Service (ETS) from the U.S., and the results of that service are examined.

The article discusses students at the Dog Kennel Hill Primary school in East Dulwich, England who wrote to Schools Minister Jim Knight to complain about the amount of testing that they must endure. The students reported feeling worried about the tests and some were driven to tears. Teacher Katherine Nicholls is opposed to the amount of testing and showed her students a documentary in which Knight said that students should not be concerned about the tests. INSET: What Year 6 said.

The article discusses the use of students to evaluate the effectiveness of their teachers in Great Britain. The program is seen as an alternative to inspection by Great Britain's Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and is called "Instead." The program is being used, for example, at South Camden Community School in London, England. Edge Learner Forum provides students with the opportunity to be critical of their schools but in a non-confrontational manner. INSET: South Camden Community School--The Ofsted experience.

The article discusses moves to incorporate the assessment for learning method of grading in British classrooms. The 2007 report from British Chief Inspector of Schools Christine Gilbert, which identifies student assessment and grading as the area of the British educational system most in need of improvement, is referenced. Assessment for learning is defined as a system of grading that offers students constructive criticism rather than numeric marks. INSET: What is assessment for learning?.

The article discusses 2009 changes in the content of various General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) courses. The GCSEs in foreign languages will focus on continuous oral assessment rather than a cumulative oral examination at the end of foreign language courses. Coursework on Humanism is being introduced into the religious studies GCSE. The textual-analysis unit of the GCSE in media studies will include coursework on action films and lifestyle magazines.

The article discusses plans of the British government to reform the vocational qualifications available to students between the ages of 14 and 19 years of age. It is reported that the majority of vocational qualifications will be absorbed by the the British educational system's work-related diploma courses. Vocational qualifications with low enrollment such as nail art, cake decorating, and body massage, will be done away with. The abolition of the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) is also noted. INSET: Shopping around gets you the best deal on A-level fees.

The article explores the relationship between academic achievement and student happiness in British schools. Several teachers and school principals comment that the pressure created by the British government's focus on standardized testing in schools stifles students' emotional development and ownership of their own learning. Statistics suggesting that inspections carried out by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) ignore student wellbeing in favor of test results are noted.

The article discusses the efforts of educators at the West Park Primary school in Hartlepool, England to enhance the school's curriculum through enrichment activities. It is reported that the school has implemented subject-themed days that consist of fun activities devoted to core subjects such as science and art. The difficulties associated with implementing such activities in light of national requirements for standardized testing are considered and principal Mark Parry comments.

The article announces that a team of three British high school students won top honors in the 2008 Romanian Master Mathematics Contest. It is reported Jonathan Lee of Leicester, England, Tim Hennock of West Sussex, England, and Dominic Yeo of London, England were the surprise winners of the invitational competition. Their coach Geoff Smith offers comments on the contest and discusses the process of training the young men for the competition.

The article reports on a campaign by parents in Gloucestershire, England to have their children excused from the "nappy curriculum" mandated by Great Britain's 2006 Childcare Act. It is reported that the act creates a new key stage, the Early Years Foundation Stage, which provides a framework for the teaching of literacy and numeracy for children under six years of age. Parents from the Wynstones School in Gloucestershire advocate for the Steiner approach to teaching.

A photograph is presented of Cath Scarffe, primary language coordinator for Kettlethorpe High School in England, working with children learning French at a primary school that transitions pupils to her high school, where her work will ensure continuity of the pupils' language instruction.

The article reports on changes to Great Britain's education system expected in 2008, including those described here. The work-related diploma program begins in September 2008, requiring greater collaboration between schools, colleges, and employers. Changes to the key stage 3 secondary curriculum will be phased in between 2008 and 2010, and a review of the primary curriculum begins in 2008. Other topics include the national testing system, compulsory preschool, and teachers' salaries.

The article reports that Great Britain's House of Commons all-party group on shooting and conservation was advised by Mary Eveleigh, Mostyn House School's head of shooting in Cheshire, England, that shooting instruction should be provided at school to children as young as nine years old. Eveleigh contends that target shooting helps to induce calm and teaches responsibility and concern for other. The recommendation was criticized by members of the League Against Cruel Sports.

The article focuses on the results of the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) educational tests, which are conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The article reports that the scores of 15-year-old British students in reading, math, and science fell dramatically from the 2000 test scores, although their performance by international standards was average. The scores are reportedly receiving criticism in Great Britain. INSET: Sample questions from the latest tests.

The article discusses three reports within the 2007 "Primary Review," a study of primary education in Great Britain. A Durham University report measures government test figures against other data and concludes that the ongoing testing regime is not the reason for improved results. A Bristol University report on high-stakes and alternative tests and a National Foundation for Educational Research report comparing British primaries to international studies are described. INSETS: The coaching sceptic;Team behind the Primary Review.