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Commission being brought in to probe our education (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Commission being brought in to probe our education
3:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News
THE FORMER head of Ofsted is coming to Thurrock Council to lead a six-month investigation into education in the borough.
Christine Gilbert was invited by the authority to lead the “commission” which will start on March 18.
Ms Gilbert, who became chief inspector of the school’s watchdog in 2006, will take a close look at what the authority is doing right and wrong as well as pointing out where improvements can be made.
Oliver Gerrish, councillor responsible for education, pictured, said the council wanted to drive up standards in schools.
He said: “This is the start of an exciting time for education in the borough.
“We are on the way up, we are heading in the right direction of having every one of our schools judged ‘good’ or better by Ofsted.
“Christine Gilbert’s commission will take a very close look at where we are and what we are doing.
“I am sure she’ll find much that is good, but we chose her to head things up because I am equally confident that she won’t pull any punches.”
Mr Gerrish said he wanted to make sure schools in Thurrock continued to improve.
He added: “We want to know what we’re doing right – so we can do more of it – and what we’re not – so that we can change it.
“We want our schools to learn best practice from each other, to share and celebrate their successes and to be open to new ideas.
“I don’t want to be embarrassed by being labelled one of the worst three areas in the country for primary education.
“It’s not true now and I don’t want it to be true ever again.”
Dave_ says...
7:06pm Sun 24 Feb 13
I do wonder if this will highlight the problems have been created by schools/teachers being pulled from pillar to post by changes and demands for more non-teaching box ticking activities by governments and enforced by OFSTED. When we get away from a “points makes prizes” education system, then we might get the education our children deserve / need.
I read the stories about the furore of poor SATS results and my heart sinks as everyone involved in education must know (but won’t admit) that they are worthless and pointless to the pupil. My own children did these and did very well, but imagine our dismay that when they went to comprehensive, they were given tests by the school to stream them, thus their SATS meant nothing, all that grief to make the school look good. The same happens at comprehensive and 6th Form, loads of pressure and angst to pass GCSEs and A Levels to make schools look good on a league table, that are all but worthless after a few years.