Category Archives: History
The Biter Bit
The Institute for Government has just produced an analysis of government malfunction. Featured in the Sunday Times (17 Jan 10), headlined ‘Whitehall revolts’. Unseemly as it may be to indulge in schadenfreude, yet perhaps a vinegary smile may be forgiven … Continue reading
A View from the Foothills
In his engaging memoir Chris Mullin recalls visiting old family friends on Christmas Day, 2004. Malcolm, who teaches in the local primary school, found himself one day “teaching a class of six watched over by three OFSTED inspectors who were … Continue reading
Filed under Anecdotes & reminiscences, Diogenes, Ofsted, School inspections
U-turn if you have to
This old bird, always keen to garner crumbs of comfort, cannot resist hoping to share with any who may not have seen it the text of a letter by Averil Lewin of Ely in The Guardian (29.06.09). She says: “What a … Continue reading
Filed under Central control, Current policies, History, Juvenile, LEAs
“We, the People…”
In the current furore, if the PM means what he says about devolution of power to localities, the issue of governance of public education is a prime one. It goes far beyond the simplistic policies of the last 20 years, with … Continue reading
Filed under 1944 Education Act, Central control, Juvenile
FAITH AND EDUCATION
Not faith schools, but faith in the people in schools: in pupils, students, teachers, and even governors. Tyrrell Burgess [1931-2009] was both a humanist and a man of faith. He believed passionately in people’s innate ability to shape their own learning … Continue reading
Filed under Current policies, Curriculum, Diogenes, History
A PROPHET IN THE WILDERNESS
Henry Morris [1889-1962] was an educational giant, a chief education officer who envisaged in Cambridgeshire “a rural civilization that will have chronic vigour.” That vigour would sustain a network of community colleges and be nourished by them. Their handsome buildings … Continue reading
Matter v. Antimatter
Reporting recently in the Education Guardian, Polly Curtis interviewed the egregious former SCI, Chris Woodenhead, on his forthcoming book and says “there are few giants in education as big as him” (a Jack and the Beanstalk specimen, does she mean?). … Continue reading
Filed under History, Juvenile, School inspections, Vocational education
A PROPHET CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: A MOST UNUSUAL MANDARIN
Self government, independent study, and a culture as concerned with doing, making and organising as with academic learning: all encompassed within a framework for expanding the whole education service. Sir Toby Weaver had a grand vision. Only Government could have … Continue reading
Filed under Department for Education, History
History boy
I’m pleased to announce the first addition to our ‘Education past’ section – the memories of Donald Naismith, former chief education officer of three pioneering London boroughs in the Thatcher era. Donald recalls his historical upbringing in Bradford. He takes issue … Continue reading
Filed under Anecdotes & reminiscences, History, LEAs
SHADES OF THE PRISON HOUSE begin to close
Upon the growing boy… And girl. The Victorians were great ones for order. They sought it in well-planned institutions. For Paupers, there were workhouses; for Patients, hospitals; for Prisoners, penitentiaries; for Pupils, schools. Unless you happened to be a solvent, … Continue reading
Filed under Diogenes, Examinations & assessment, History, School inspections, Teaching
