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Articles by Cherry Atkinson
Educating global citizens in a nationalist age
Global citizenship and international-mindedness are aspects of international education that will be very familiar to anyone working in the field. These concepts have always been present, but many elite and non-elite international schools are now working hard to market themselves through a curriculum that supports an international perspective, and through accreditation that rewards a more globalised outlook.
Have international schools lost sight of their roots?
I’ve worked in a fair number of international schools over the years, and I have met teachers and school leaders who hail from all over the world; educators who have worked in all sorts of schools. Anyone who’s ever done any kind of study into the nature and characteristics of international schools will tell you that there is no overarching definition, no catch-all descriptor and no one way to best describe these schools.
Flexible working in schools - what you need to know
In the Autumn 2023 edition of Independent School Management Pluswe explored the new flexible working rules being introduced by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 which was awaiting an implementation date. The new rules came into effect from 6 April 2024.
Wellbeing: Transform a school with a 'culture of kindness'
In the often high-pressure world of education, where high intensity workloads often create stress and burnout, a small yet outward looking multi-academy trust is standing out by taking a different approach. By putting staff wellbeing and kindness at the heart of its culture, this trust is not only securing strong staff retention rates but also attracting new talent. The ripple effect has been felt across its schools, benefiting staff, students, and the broader community.
Talking Recruitment: Staff induction
As the new term begins, Kai Vacher, principal of British School Muscat, joins consultant and head Mark Steed to discuss what makes a good staff induction programme. Mark recommends that focusing on people is key, and making time for social events will help staff forge new relationships, while Kai highlights the benefits of an airport welcome party with branded t-shirts to help new staff feel welcomed.
'It's time for a global body to oversee international teachers'
In my 19 years of international school headship I have worked with an incredible number of outstanding educators from a wide variety of countries and professional backgrounds. I have been lucky enough to meet teachers from all over the world, and I have interviewed more than I can count.
Who gets a raw deal on the global teaching merry-go-round?
There have been numerous articles in the UK popular press lately, describing the “exodus” of British teachers from the profession and the year-on-year failure of the Department for Education to meet recruitment targets. The unprecedented decline in teacher recruitment and retention over the past decade or so means that the demand for teachers in 2024 far outstrips supply.
Students receive results of Cambridge International exams
Record numbers of students are celebrating the results of Cambridge International examinations today (August 13), highlighting the on-going appetite for the British curriculum approach. A total 631,248 students around the world received results from their Cambridge IGCSE, O-level and International AS and A-level exams.
'Private schools can be the engine room of innovation'
“Never go back”: I’ve generally found the mantra helpful. But I was pleased to breach it when attending April’s Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) conference. It was exciting to see that the organisation remains vibrant and how, working closely with EdTech, examination boards, ISC association partners and schools in the UK and overseas, it continues to demonstrate the capacity to drive responsive change.
Ofqual grading boost for MFL and computing
Exam boards have been told to be more generous when grading French, German and computer science GCSEs this year, The Times reports. Exams regulator Ofqual has said exam boards should adjust grading standards for the subjects, particularly in the upper range. Leading educators had complained about “severe grading” in modern languages for many years, stressing that the most able children were being put off the subjects because they were less likely to get top grades at GCSE.
CEO of EEF to lead curriculum review
The chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation has been asked to lead Labour’s review of curriculum and assessment, Tes reports. An official announcement that Professor Becky Francis will take on the task is expected tomorrow (Fri July 19), the publication says. The EEF describes itself an independent charity using research evidence to break the link between family income and educational achievement.
End of term: What have you learnt this year?
With teachers heading towards the end of term (or even there already), they may feel, as I have in the past, that they are just surviving to reach the last day of school. Since February I have not been class-based full time. I have the luxury of being more reflective this time around. I am tired, yes, but not teacher tired. This year is also my last year in Poland. This has been wholly by choice, as I never felt the country was a “good fit” for me or my family.
'GCSE reform must be a priority for the next education secretary'
I have seen a steady shift in education policy and teaching practice during my 20 years in state and independent schools. Although many changes have been well-meaning, we have reached a critical point where the education system is failing to serve young people and wider society. Bedales School is an ideal place to see the pendulum swings in education history as we have been, for 130 years, an early adopter of many innovations.
'GCSE reform must be a priority for the next education secretary'
I have seen a steady shift in education policy and teaching practice during my 20 years in state and independent schools. Although many changes have been well-meaning, we have reached a critical point where the education system is failing to serve young people and wider society. Bedales School is an ideal place to see the pendulum swings in education history as we have been, for 130 years, an early adopter of many innovations.
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