PEN Summer Reading #3

Friday 20th August

• A Levels and university entrance

Coverage of the A Level exam results dominated the headlines this week. Some of the most level headed and insightful analysis of the reality behind the numbers comes from Mike Baker.

• Who's to blame for A Level science success

Short post on some of the interesting stats found amongst the wider results, from Conor's Commentary.

• A Level results improve (again)

Politics.co.uk reports on David Willets response to the results and his thoughts on the 'dumbing down' argument.

• Re-sits undermine the A Level

This piece on the Civitas website argues that it is the re-sit culture of A-Level modules which is affecting the legitimacy of the qualification.

• Watch out for private school spin and dodgy statistics

The Truth About Our Schools blog argues that coverage of exam results reflects a marketing blitz by the private sector which talks down the great achievements of many state school pupils.

• Make spirit of enterprise your business

This weeks TES reports on government research that shows that there needs to be a curriculum wide approach to teaching entrepreneurial skills in schools.

• Virtual CPD for teachers

Great blog post from Alastair Horne on how teachers can use technology for CPD.

• Dawkins is wrong: faith schools don't blinker children

Teacher Irfana Bora argues against Richard Dawkins position that religious schools serve to indoctrinate children.

• VAT, funding and academies

Another interesting blog from Patrick Watson on the details behind the academy funding and tax structure.

• Coalition education: 100 days

A comprehensive round up of the coalitions performance, 100 days into their education reform agenda.