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Daily News Summary
3 September 2020

Coronavirus: Scientists call for strict infection control to mitigate risks of reopening secondary schools
GCSEs and A-levels 2020: Education secretary accused of ignoring Ofqual's advice on exams
House of Lords debate: Independent schools and the National Tutoring Programme
British teachers in Hong Kong voice concerns over new national security law
Several UK universities slip down in global rankings while Oxford remains first place

Coronavirus: Scientists call for strict infection control to mitigate risks of reopening secondary schools

 

According to new coronavirus modelling, the risks associated with the full reopening of secondary schools is 'much higher' than in primary schools, highlighting the need for "very, very close infection control and surveillance in schools". By Chris Smyth, The Times.

Professor Linda Bauld, of Edinburgh University, has said first minister Nicola Sturgeon's coronavirus 'elimination' strategy is "not going very well", as the virus appears to have started spreading in Scotland's schools. By Simon Johnson, The Telegraph.

The Telegraph reports ministers are concerned the spread of fake news on social media could undermine efforts to bring children back to school. By Camilla Turner.

According to a survey of special school leaders, around 20,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are unlikely to return to school this term. By John Roberts, Tes.

The Mirror reports the Labour Party has called on the Government to implement a 'close the gap' strategy to ensure no children are left behind as a result of coronavirus. By Oliver Milne.

A commentary in The Spectator reflects on the online learning provision offered by state and independent schools during lockdown. By Fraser Nelson. The article mentions Hampton School and Eton College.

School leaders have expressed concern over the Government's decision to leave headteachers to decide whether face masks should be worn in schools. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent.

Robin Bevan, headteacher at Southend High School for Boys and national president of the National Education Union, writes in The Guardian criticising the Government for its "lack of consultation" with teachers and school leaders during the pandemic.

An article in The Telegraph summarises the key safety precautions being implemented in schools to keep staff and students safe from coronavirus. By Steve Bird.

The Telegraph offers advice for parents on how they can avoid back to school bugs and viruses. By Hattie Garlick.

 

GCSEs and A-levels 2020: Education secretary accused of ignoring Ofqual's advice on exams

 

Roger Taylor, chair of Ofqual, has said the exams regulator warned education secretary Gavin Williamson that the cancelling of exams would be the "worst-case scenario", and that delivering accurate calculated grades would be "an impossible task". By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

Tes reports prime minister Boris Johnson has refused to say when he knew there were issues with the exams algorithm. By Charlotte Santry.

An article in iNews reports Roger Taylor has suggested teenagers could sit online tests next summer if exams are disrupted by coronavirus. By Will Hazell.

 

House of Lords debate: Independent schools and the National Tutoring Programme

 

In a debate in the House of Lords yesterday, Lord Watson of Invergowrie asked Baroness Berridge if she was aware that independent schools could become registered tutors under the National Tutoring Programme. Baroness Bull asked if discussions were taking place about the independent sector's "potential contribution to the national effort to help disadvantaged pupils catch up" on their education. In response, Baroness Berridge said she had been in communication with the ISC and the Boarding Schools' Association, and that independent schools are "very keen to engage".

Baroness Garden of Frognal asked the minister "why the National Tutoring Programme has a minimum of 500 students to access", when most independent schools teach an average of 390 pupils.

 

British teachers in Hong Kong voice concerns over new national security law

 

According to The Telegraph, British teachers at international schools in Hong Kong may have to change curriculums and self-censor in classes under a new national security law imposed by Beijing. By Tommy Walker and Sophia Yan.

 
The Telegraph

Several UK universities slip down in global rankings while Oxford remains first place

 

This year's Times Higher Education world rankings show more than half of UK universities have dropped by at least one place in the last 12 months, while the University of Oxford is listed as the best-performing university for the fifth consecutive year. By Florence Snead, iNews.

 
iNews

 

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