Prison education. The Education Committee described a system ‘crying out for an overhaul’ as it published the results of its Inquiry into prison education, recommending as a result a much greater focus on education for inmates with secure laptops, potential higher ed loans and the creation of Deputy Governors of Learning as important remedies.
Labour market analysis. The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) published its regular accompanying analysis of the latest labour market figures, equally highlighting the fall in unemployment but pointing too to continuing recruitment and participation issues and a widening wage gap.
Assistive Technology. UNICEF and the World Health Organisation reported for the first time on how large chunks of the world, particularly those in low and middle-income countries, were missing out on assistive technology, denying those in education as well as employment and old age of the opportunities and support seen as vital in life for so many.
SCHOOLS
Schools Bill. The Education Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Education Committee setting out the main proposals in the recently published Schools Bill and offering to work closely with the Committee as the Bill progresses.
Fake exam papers. Ofqual reminded students in its latest rolling guidance, about the dangers of fake exam papers being offered on social media websites which if used, could lead to student disqualification.
Review of computing education. Ofsted published the latest in its series of subject reviews looking here at computing and highlighting features that make for successful delivery and assessment including the sequencing of knowledge and skills and the use of formative assessment but pointing to concerns about a lack of specialist teachers.
FE/SKILLS
L3 issues. Edge responded to the government’s recent plans to defund a number of L3 qualifications that overlap with T levels, arguing that the proposals could have ‘significant consequences’ for learners, especially the most disadvantaged and urging the government to consider the lessons that could be learnt from previous policy experience.
NEET options. The EDSK think tank reported on the issue of NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training) highlighting the continuing extent of the problem and calling for a stronger emphasis on prevention rather than cure through for example a dedicated careers link and a more practically focused curriculum to increase options.
Adult skills and training. The Fabian Society and partners published a collection of essays from leading commentators on adult skills and training with contributors highlighting weaknesses in the current system, regional inequalities, apprenticeships and the need for a coherent skills settlement.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Capital funding. The Office for Students (OfS) set out the arrangements for capital funding for the next three financial years with £11.2m to be distributed via a numbers-based formula and £400m via a bidding process.
Blended learning. The Office for Students announced the names of the panel members that will support the OfS’s review of provider approaches to blended learning likely to meet regulatory requirements, with review outcomes set for September.
Attracting international talent. Universities UK published a new report highlighting issues around attracting and retaining international research talent pointing in particular to the high costs and mismatch of visas, calling for a review of costs and a more inclusive and less burdensome system.
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MONDAY 23 MAY On this day in 1430 Joan of Arc was captured at Compiegne and sold to the English. On this day in 1785 Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of bifocals. On this day in 1934 Bonnie (Parker) and Clyde (Barrow), outlaws, were killed in an ambush near Gibland, Louisiana.
TUESDAY 24 MAY On this day in 1884 Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph with the message ‘What hath God wrought’?’ On this day in 1862 Westminster Bridge opened in London. On this day in 1883 Brooklyn Bridge was opened by President Arthur and NY Governor Cleveland.
WEDNESDAY 25 MAY On this day in 1660 King Charles II landed at Dover after nine years in exile. On this day in 1833 the first flower show in Britain was held by the Royal Horticultural Society in Chiswick. On this day in 2001 32-year-old Erik Weihenmayer of Boulder, Colorado, became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
THURSDAY 26 MAY On this day in 1679 parliament passed the Habeas Corpus Act, protecting citizens against false arrest and imprisonment. On this day in 1797 £1 and £2 banknotes were first issued in England. On this day in 1950 the government announced the end of petrol rationing.
FRIDAY 27 MAY On this day in 1703 the Russian tsar Peter the Great proclaimed St Petersburg the nation’s new capital. On this day in 1849 the Great Hall at Euston station was opened. On this day in 1930 the 1,046 foot Chrysler Building in New York opened to the public. It was the tallest man-made structure at the time.
SATURDAY 28 MAY On this day in 1588 the Spanish Armada set sail from Lisbon. On this day in 1937 Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister. On this day in 1959 two monkeys, Abel and Baker, became the first living creatures to survive a flight in space.
SUNDAY 29 MAY On this day in 1453 Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, fell to the Turks under Mehmed II and ended the Byzantine Empire. On this day in 1851 Sojourner Truth addressed the first Black Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. On this day in 1854 Paddington Station, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and London’s terminus for the Great Western Railway, opened.
Awareness days from around the world
MAY IS:
UK Mental Health Month, Smile Month (Monday May 16 to Wednesday June 15), Tourettes Awareness Month, Walking Month, Share a Story Month, Big Asthma Bake Sale, Make May Purple/Action on Stroke Month, Local and Community History Month.
INTERNATIONAL Maternal Mental Health Month, May Measure Month, Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
US Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, Zombie Awareness Month, Clean Air Month, Teen Self Esteem Month, Better Speech and Language Month, Photography Month, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month, Deck Safety Month, Bike Month, Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Get Caught Reading Month, Hamburger Month, Golf Month, Photography Month, Barbecue Month.
THIS WEEK IS: Action for Brain Injury Awareness Week (UK), Epilepsy Week (UK), British Tomato Fortnight (UK), Water Saving Week (UK), Epilepsy Week, Conversation Week (UK)
MONDAY MAY 23 World Turtle Day (International), Lucky Penny Day (US), Title Track Day (US), National Taffy Day (US).
TUESDAY MAY 24 Declaration of the Bab (International), World Schizophrenia Day (International), Tiara Day (International), Brothers Day (US), Escargot Day (US) Aviation Maintenance Technician Day (US).
WEDNESDAY MAY 25 Towel Day (International), Missing Children’s Day (International), World Otter Day (International), Skin Pigmentation Day (International), Tap Dance Day (US), Wine Day (US), Geek Pride Day (US), Senior Health & Fitness Day (US).
THURSDAY MAY 26 Ascension Day (International), Chardonnay Day (UK), World Dracula Day (International), World Lindy Hop Day (International), Blueberry Cheesecake Day (US), Paper Airplane Day (US), Melanoma BRAF Awareness Day (US).
FRIDAY MAY 27 European Neighbours’ Day (International), Sunscreen Day (US), Don’t Fry Day (US), Cellophane Tape Day (US).
SATURDAY MAY 28 Amnesty International Day (International), World Hunger Day (International), World Dracula Day (International), European Neighbours’ Day (International), Menstrual Hygiene Day (International), Hamburger Day (US), Brisket Day (US).
SUNDAY MAY 29 Oak Apple Day (UK), Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (International), World Digestive Health Day (International), Everest Day (International), Learn About Composting Day (US) Biscuit Day (US), Put a Pillow in your Fridge Day (US), Paperclip Day (US), Indianapolis 500 (US).
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