Key Education updates and associated links

Thought some people might find this useful.

Further key dates can be found on DfE timeline.

Nov/Dec	Summary of National Curriculum Framework for National Curriculum National curriculum reform – Summary report of the call for evidence Framework for school inspection Subject-specific guidance for inspections	http://lkmconsulting.co.uk/article/national-curriculum-review-summary-21122011 https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/NCR-Expert%20Panel%20Report.pdf https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/NCR%20-%20Call%20for%20Evidence%20Summary%20Report.pdf http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-school-inspection-january-2012 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/generic-grade-descriptors-and-supplementary-subject-specific-guidance-for-inspectors-making-judgemen
Jan 2012	Information available on which qualifications will be included in the headline indicators for the 2014 Key Stage 4 performance tables. Ofqual confirms changes to GCSE’s Frequently asked questions on the changes to GCSEs in England Timeline of changes to GCSEs	http://www.bigvocationaldebate.com/pdf/Briefing_and_FAQs.pdf http://www.education.gov.uk/16to19/qualificationsandlearning/gcses/a00191691/changes-to-gcses-from-2012 http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/news-and-announcements/130/820 http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/help-and-support/94-articles/821  http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/help-and-support/94-articles/839-timeline-for-the-introduction-of-changes-to-gcses
	Framework, evaluation schedule and supporting guidance published.	http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/framework-for-school-inspection-january-2012
	The Young People’s Learning Agency will announce how academies can apply for Capital Maintenance Funding for 2012-13.	http://www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk/programmes/academies/academies.html
	Draft funding calculations sent to academies by YPLA and LACSEG rates published.
	January - March - Schools interested in converting to academy status in time for new school year - register their interest.	http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies/becominganacademy/register
1st Feb	School meal deals (set by school or local authority, depending on whether catering is devolved) will be allowed to boost the uptake of school lunches and to tackle obesity.	http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00201373/new-powers-for-schools-to-beat-the-takeaways
Feb	Launch of application process for academies Capital Maintenance Fund 2012-13.	http://www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk/programmes/academies/academies.html
1st March	All admission authorities must have determined their admission arrangements for September 2013 intake, following a minimum of eight weeks consultation.
March	Final confirmation of any newly accredited qualifications that will be included in the headline indicators for the 2014 Key Stage 4 performance tables.
April	Schools will be able to search pupils for a wider range of items without their consent.
September	Bidding opens for School Direct places for 2013/14 (a new scheme that allows schools, or groups of schools, to apply to the TDA/Teaching Agency to offer an Initial Teacher Training place, which they then work with an accredited ITT provider to deliver).	http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/training-in-england/postgraduate-funding.aspx
September	All external examinations in two year GCSE courses - linear	http://www.education.gov.uk/16to19/qualificationsandlearning/gcses/a00191691/changes-to-gcses-from-2012
September	New regulations and accompanying guidance on induction for Newly Qualified Teachers come into force.	http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/deployingstaff/b0066959/induction-newly-qualified-teachers
September	Changes to teachers standards come into force	http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/t/teachers%20standards.pdf
September	Subject to the outcome of the consultation on managing teacher performance, schools can begin to use new model policy on appraisal and capability.	http://www.education.gov.uk/a00201884/new-arrangements-for-teacher-appraisal-and-capability-to-be-introduced-from-september-2012
September	Pupils will have access to independent, impartial careers guidance in Years 9-11. Subject to consultation, the age range will be extended to include pupils in Year 8 and young people aged 16-18 studying in schools and colleges.
September	Maintained schools no longer required to produce an annual prospectus or curriculum policy, but must provide key information online instead (subject to Regulations being made).
September	Schools are required to publish online information about how they have used the Pupil premium.	http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium
November	November - Information available on which qualifications will be included in the headline indicators for the 2015 KS4 performance tables.

Word format of table

NQT Classroom/behaviour management - Key Ideas

For any NQT it is important to establish yourself in the classroom in order to teach effectively. Many schools operate assertive discipline systems which are designed to support your teaching through the rewards and sanctions.  Many NQT’s and even experienced teachers are guilty of focusing on the sanctions rather rewarding positive behaviour.  It’s important that all pupils are rewarded making sure you do not overlook praise for the pupils that always display positive behavior and learning.  Some key tips adopted from Bill Rogers are

Key tips 

The words you use are as powerful as the message you are trying to convey – do you always know what to say when under stress? Before saying it, think about how it will help the situation.

Maintain a sense of humour – very powerful in the classroom.

Describing exactly what students are doing is often more effective than telling them not to do something.

Giving students an option when dealing with items they should not have in class (such as mobile phones, hairbrushes) is less intrusive and more effective than confiscation. e.g. for mobile phones I often give them two options – ‘I will take the phone and give you it back at the end of the lesson’ or ‘I will take the phone and give you it back at the end of the day’. They always go for first option!

Establishing a class at the beginning of a school year is critical to successful behaviour management.  Seating plans, expectations etc.

Teaching style can have as much an impact on behaviour management than any range of sanctions and rewards.  If you are having problems during lesson, look at the lesson and the individuals in front of you and work out what engages them.  All classes are different and even classes which you would expect to have no issues from can be difficult with the wrong teaching and learning style.

Following up and following-through with students, especially those who present with on-going ‘behaviour problems’, can be crucial factors in successful management.  If you have a problem with the student then talk to them before the next lesson, find a connection.

Do you know how to tactically ignore student frustration in behaviour management situations in order to maintain a disciplined classroom?

Think about teacher behaviour as it affects student behaviour – it’s essential to understanding this.  They will pick up on your mood.

Building bridges in order to keep a relationship with students is as important as dealing with troublesome behavior.  Compliment them, notice things and take an interest in them and their life.

Targeting specific “power brokers” and students who act as ring-leaders in “hard classes” can be a very effective strategy in behaviour management.

Replace ‘please’ with ‘thank-you’ – e.g. instead of saying please stop doing that, say Stop that – Thank-you which implies you expect it to happen.

Pick you battles – is it worth going to war over a forgotten pencil?