Political impartiality in schools: a danger to us all
“If education is no longer political, then children will be less equipped to challenge corrupt politics when they see it”, argues Efrem Craig
Should schools be reopening despite Covid?
As it stands, schools simply do not have the ability to limit Covid spread. Class sizes are too large – nearing thirty in many schools, teachers are off work due to Covid, and many rooms have poor ventilation
Manchester students begin occupation protest in solidarity with striking staff
Students at the University of Manchester, including members of the YCL, have launched an occupation protest in solidarity with University and College Union strikes. This follows years of falling pay, overworking, and casualisation for higher education staff
Education Minister attempts to shift Coronavirus burden onto parents
Minister for Education Gavin Williamson has said that it is parents’ responsibility to prevent a new Covid wave when schools open this September, attempting to shift the burden and blame for the virus’ spread away from government to individual citizens.
The role of education in a post-pandemic world
Efrem Craig reflects on the effects that the pandemic has had on teaching, whilst making the case for a socialist education system
The epidemic of sexual harassment in schools
Sexual harassment and online sexual abuse are such a conventional aspect of pupils’ everyday lives they don’t see any point in confronting or reporting it, students have expressed to Ofsted inspectors. Girls experience this abuse disproportionately, facing the likes of misogynistic name-calling, online abuse and rape jokes amongst many other harrowing displays of sexual harassment. Inspectors were informed that boys share nude photos on apps, such as Snapchat, “like a collection game”.
Special Educational Needs and Disabled (SEND) children robbed of support
Spending cuts and service reviews are being outlined as a result of a funding shortage of over half a billion pounds for educating children with special needs, across councils in England. Due to a government ruling, local authorities are not permitted to employ other reserves to boost funds for the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system, leaving families anxious that their loved ones could lose support to ensure gaping historical shortfalls are cleared.
Welsh Communists demand power in the community
Welsh Communists have issued a statement calling for new powers for the Welsh Parliament to deliver real change in communities, education, housing, health and social care. The Communist Party is running its biggest electoral campaign this year since the 1980’s across Britain, with candidates in every Welsh regional list seat.
Batley teacher suspended after showing students cartoon of the Prophet Muhammed
A teacher in Batley was suspended last week after showing pupils an “inappropriate” cartoon of the Prophet Muhammed in class.
International Day of Education: WFDY calls for students to fight for their rights
The World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) celebrated the International Day of Education by highlighting the analysis and demands for education made during WFDY’s 20th General Assembly held in Cyprus at the end of 2019. You can read the full resolution below.
