I Assumed it was a Joke
My evening newspaper had a story saying the EU had won the Nobel Peace Prize. I thought it must be a joke. But further research reveals it was not. Norway, that sensible country which has stayed out of...
View ArticleAm I Wrong?
Probably. It’s just that I honestly don’t think it a good idea to require children to do their homework on the world wide interweb. Yes, of course, once they are adults, they will use the interweb...
View ArticleOFSTED, Not Such a Good Thing
I have often wondered whether OFSTED is really a good thing. I have guessed, but not really known, that it probably disapproves of teachers who engage their classes but don’t follow government...
View ArticleLeave Clegg Alone (on this Subject)
I daresay you will be surprised to learn this, but I frequently disagree with Nicholas Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrat Party. No, let me not mince my words, I think...
View ArticleI Remain a Gove Supporter
Recently I wrote a piece suggesting that Michael Gove was a living saint. A few days later, Mr Gove announced that he was dropping one of the policies of which I particularly approved. Several friendly...
View ArticleMr Gove Should Give Teachers a Lesson in Writing
Michael Gove has, rather bravely, sent a memo round his ministry telling civil servants they should write in plain English. Tom Chivers, in an amusing piece (even though it failed to spot Mr Gove’s...
View ArticleIslington Horrified at Suggestion there is a Place for Another School
There used to be a school called Ashmount Primary School in Islington. Actually, I think it still exists. But it has moved premises. Its old buildings may now be handed over to a new school, a Free...
View ArticleAre School League Tables a Good Thing?
Today sees a very welcome announcement from the government. Schools will no longer be able to benefit from forcing pupils to take GCSE examinations early, before they are ready, with the aim of getting...
View ArticlePrivate and State Schools Need not Attack Each Other
Michael Gove, the best cabinet minister we have had for years, is determined to do all he can to ensure that state schools are as successful as private schools. And, extraordinarily, he seems to be...
View ArticleIt’s All Getting Rather Nasty
Sarah Vine, Michael Gove’s wife, has accused parents who send their children to private schools of being motivated by snobbery. Last year, the Chairman of the Headmasters Conference (the top public...
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