Posts by Idris Musty
The Christmas break – getting more out of the Festive period
The school Christmas holiday period is a critical time for parents and their children – particular teenagers who are at a key stage of their education. Teenagers may not be as excited about Christmas as they were when they were younger children, but, nevertheless, there are still plenty of emotions flying around. Whilst it is…
Read MoreGrammar school or no grammar school – what’s all the fuss about?
Theresa May, the new prime minister, is bravely pushing ahead with her plan to create more grammar schools despite a mountain of opposition from the liberal elite and middle classes, most of whom are opposed to grammar school – at least in public! Range of schools that we have At the moment, we have three…
Read MoreMaking the best of the autumn term – a good start can make all the difference
One of the good things about autumn is that after a long summer break, students, teachers and even parents are all ready to start the whole routine of school and all that goes with it all over again in September. For parents, it may include the school run and driving the young ones to sports…
Read MoreGCSE Science – Core (single), Additional (double) and Triple (separate) explained
Please note that the content of this page is no more completely valid, as the GCSE Science curriculum has now changed – so there is no more such thing as Additional and Core Science. It is a requirement of the national curriculum that every student studies Science at GCSE level, and that the Science…
Read MoreMaking vital choices for post-sixteen subjects and courses
Making vital choices for post-sixteen subjects and courses Most schools and colleges do not offer IB or Pre-U but offer A-level, which is safer and perfectly fine. Almost all the top universities list other courses such as BTEC as acceptable to gain admission but in reality they do not like them, and if a student…
Read MoreUniversity and course options – potential impact on lifetime income and prospects
University and course options – potential impact on lifetime income and prospects In my last article, I wrote about a report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, which highlighted the fact that certain universities are running degree courses that lead to no graduate premium. This means that students who study those courses do not earn…
Read MoreGraduate premium – is it worth its weight in gold?
Graduate premium – is it worth its weight in gold? According to Fraser Nelson of the Spectator magazine, during a discussion on the 10pm news last Sunday evening, research was conducted by the Institute of Fiscal Studies which indicates that many universities are running degree courses that employers do not recognise. The report also shows…
Read MoreEBacc – facts and figures and why teachers and parents are worried after the new GCSE grading system
Facts and figures about the EBacc and why teachers and parents are worried In my last article, I highlighted the concern that headteachers, teachers and parents have as a result of the new more rigorous requirement the government has now put in place for a student to meet the criteria for the English Baccalaureate –…
Read MoreEBacc becomes more challenging with the new GCSE grading system of 9 to 1
The goal post for measuring success at the age of 16 moved – the new GCSE Grading system of 9 to 1 will make EBaac more difficult to achieve Since the EBacc (the English Baccalaureate) was introduced in 2010, the proportion of young people meeting the EBacc criteria has steadily increased. The worrying issue at…
Read MoreEBacc will be more challenging – higher goal post for measuring success at GCSE
The goal post for measuring success at GCSE moved – the EBacc will be more challenging I saw an article about the new yardstick for measuring success at GCSE level. The article was a little alarming as it highlights that the government has raised the barrier for measuring success for 16 year olds. It…
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