International education survey – Gove ignores the evidence
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an internationally standardised assessment that was jointly developed by participating economies and administered to15-year-olds in schools.
PISA is used as an assessment of relative progress between countries.
The latest PISA results were released this week.
Michael Gove’s statement on the results says
“Today’s PISA report underlines the urgent need to reform our school system. We need to learn from the best-performing countries.”
Finland is the most successful country in Europe, but Michael Gove isn’t learning from Finland. Finland has the least diversity in its education system, with most pupils going to the local school.
Michael Gove is learning from Sweden and the USA. These are not the most successful countries, but they have some of the greatest diversity in their education systems, and both allow for-profit organisations to run their schools.
Queen Elizabeth’s Mercian School (known as QEMS) in Tamworth has been seized by Landau Forte in agreement with the local council. There has been no consultation with staff or parents. Since the Governing body is an Interim Executive Body (IEB) no discussion with parents or staff has been required.
This decision goes along with a proposal to make the other 3 secondary schools in the area into an Academy.
Parents in Tamworth, where Hands Off Tamworth Schools (HOTS) ran an fantastic campaign against previous Academy proposals. Are shocked and disgusted.
Link up to oppose ARK ‘Free’ schools proposals
Campaigners against the ARK supported ‘Free’ school proposal in Wandsworth have suggested that campaigners against ARK proposals should link up to share information. If you would like to contact them email saveourschools@btinternet.com
Asbestos raises its ugly head in schools The policy of who will be responsible for asbestos management in free schools – which may open up in former offices – “is still evolving”, says the DfE spokesman
Anti Academies Alliance Financial Appeal
The Anti Academies Alliance has launched a Financial Appeal to help build the opposition to Academies and ‘Free’ Schools.
Read our Appeal, and download the leaflet, herehttp://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/financial-appeal
How can the Anti Academies Alliance help your school?
We continue to be approached by schools asking us to help them campaign against Academy proposals that are being pushed on them.
The Anti Academies Alliance is happy to work with head teachers, governors, parents and staff to develop a campaign to prevent your school becoming an Academy.
Please contact the office if you need help.
Anti Academies Newspaper
Over 60,000 newspapers have now been despatched around the country and are being distributed to parents, teachers, governors.
Please download the order form and post in your order herehttp://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/news/septemberantiacademiesnewspaper
Or email in your order and we will send you an invoice.
Anti Academies DVD
We have an excellent new 13 minute DVD outlining the case against Academies and ‘Free’ Schools.
It is perfect for union meetings / parent meetings / campaign meetings.
If you would like a copy they are £10 to union groups / £2 to parent and campaign groups. We can produce bulk orders at a reduced price. Send orders to the office and we will despatch them with an invoice.
