Academies: the next stage of commoditising education
Rhoda Stannett takes a look at the continuing trend of academisation in the UK, and the rapid privatisation of children’s education
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
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”.
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.
Premature school opening puts COVID recovery at risk
Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the “roadmap” out of lockdown for England on Monday (22 February 2021), with an idea of when pubs, cinemas, sporting events and non essential shops would be opened. However many are concerned at the opening of schools as early as the 8th of March. Johnson put forward his 4 step plan for England to the House of Commons, with the first step being schools opening early next month.
YCL: “fight against Tories & SNP goes hand in hand with the fight against COVID-19”
The Young Communist League has issued an updated statement on the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in response to the massive increase in deaths and new infections and the government’s total failure to battle the crisis.
What the free school meals scandal says about capitalism in Britain
The refusal to extend free school meals over Christmas has met a lot of backlash. The predicted cost of this scheme would only be around £20 million as only 15% of students were estimated to be receiving free school meals. This number accounts for about 1.3 million children but the actual figure is now estimated to have risen to around 2 million.
