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Daily News Summary
25 August 2020

Coronavirus: "No plans" to make masks mandatory in England's schools
Exam results 2020: PM apologises for "any distress" caused by the U-turn on grades
Growing up in green spaces 'boosts children's intelligence and lowers levels of difficult behaviour'

Coronavirus: "No plans" to make masks mandatory in England's schools

 

A Downing Street spokesman has said there are currently "no plans" to review the guidance on face coverings in England's schools. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that pupils in Scotland over the age of 12 will have to wear face masks in corridors, communal areas and school buses from next Monday. By Kat Lay, Kieran Andrews, Eleni Courea and Mike Wade, The Times.

BBC News reports headteachers are calling for clarity over whether staff or pupils can wear face masks in schools if they want to. By Sean Coughlan.

The Times reports the Government is considering implementing a rota system to open secondary schools subject to localised lockdowns. By Kat Lay and Emma Yeomans. An article in The Guardian reports any schools that are forced to close are expected to provide remote learning for pupils. By Kate Proctor and Jessica Elgot.

Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, has said seasonal flu and road traffic accidents pose a greater risk to children than coronavirus. By Adam Forrest, The Independent.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, has said the Government "should be employing more teachers and seeking extra teaching spaces" to help keep schools open. By William Stewart, Tes.

The Guardian reports on a letter signed by thousands of headteachers, which expresses their frustration and anxiety over the Government's handling of coronavirus. By Sally Weale.

An article in The Telegraph explores some of the challenges headteachers are facing as they prepare to reopen schools next month. By Rosa Silverman. The article quotes Helen Pike, master of Magdalen College School in Oxford.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, while 90 per cent of adults say it is "very likely" or "fairly likely" that the children in their household will return to school next month, 58 per cent of parents are "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about it. By Camilla Tominey, The Telegraph.

The Telegraph explores how pupils will be disciplined when they return to school post-lockdown. By Sarah Rodrigues.

 

Exam results 2020: PM apologises for "any distress" caused by the U-turn on grades

 

A spokesman for Boris Johnson has said the prime minister is "sorry for any distress that has been caused" by the Government's U-turn on exams, adding the focus will now be on "ensuring that students can move on to the next phase" of their education. By Aubrey Allegretti, Sky News.

Justine Greening, founder of the Social Mobility Pledge and former MP for Putney, writes in The Guardian arguing the recent exams controversy provides an opportunity for the Government to deliver on its "levelling up" agenda.

BBC News reports BTEC students are starting to receive their grades today, after the results were reassessed to bring them in line with A-levels and GCSEs.

An article in Tes reports the International Baccalaureate has delayed curriculum changes for four subjects due to the coronavirus. By Claudia Civnini. The article quotes David James, deputy head (academic) of Bryanston School.

Mark Steed, principal and chief executive of Kellett School, the British School in Hong Kong, writes in Tes outlining the reasons why he believes Ofqual must remain, despite the issues with this year's grading system.

 

Growing up in green spaces 'boosts children's intelligence and lowers levels of difficult behaviour'

 

New study findings suggest children who are raised in greener urban environments have a higher IQ and display fewer behavioural difficulties, such as poor attention and aggressiveness. By Damian Carrington, The Guardian.

 
The Guardian

 

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