New! Updated ICT and Qualifications List now available

May 12, 2016

You may have been led to believe that Computer Science is the only game in town as far as the EBacc and league tables are concerned.

It isn't.

And in any case, in my opinion what matters first and foremost is student choice.

I've spent so long slaving over a computer that I can't stand up straight

With this in mind I've compiled and updated a list of approved ICT and Computing qualifications and their alternatives. (ICT is still on the original DfE list, for some reason, so I've included it.)

To acquire this seminal piece of literature and research, all you have to do is complete a quick survey about the qualifications you're going to be offering to your students. Once you have done that and clicked "Submit", you'll be send a nice shiny pdf version of the list.

Thanks in advance, and here is the link:

ICT and Computing Qualifications Survey

Recent book reviews

For your Eng Lit colleagues? The Penguin Book of the International Short Story -- two reviews in one!

I submitted my review of this book to Teach Secondary magazine, an educational magazine in the UK. The first review below is what the magazine published. The second one is what I actually wrote!

Two reviews in one: Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals -- art and history

One for your colleagues, perhaps: art, art history, ploitics with a small ‘p’.

Two reviews in one: State of Ridicule: A History of Satire in English Literature -- politics, history, English

One for your colleagues, perhaps. Sperrin has provided a wealth of information that can be used to provide a rich experience for students of politics, history and English literature.

Two reviews in one: A Little History of Mathematics

I submitted my review of this book to Teach Secondary magazine, an educational magazine in the UK. The first review below is what the magazine published. The second one is what I actually wrote! In substantive terms there is little difference between the two, but you may find it interesting to see what the editor altered.

The Learning Rainforest Great Teaching in Real Classrooms Great Teaching in Real Classrooms.jpg

Review: The Learning Rainforest: Great Teaching in Real Classrooms

This is a great book for dipping into in order to read about different teaching and assessment strategies, backed up by research.

Outstanding Formative Assessment Culture and Practice.jpg

Review: Outstanding Formative Assessment: Culture and Practice

This book contains numerous assessment for learning techniques.

New Media in the Classroom Rethinking Primary Literacy.jpg

Review: New Media in the Classroom: Rethinking Primary Literacy

This provides a great deal of information about the different aspects of "literacy” and how digital tools can be brought into the service of literacy in the primary school.