Secondary opinion

Outstanding teaching does not automatically lead to outstanding learning

The nine schools in our federation are all very individual in terms of their background but they are united in their desire to improve the teaching and learning within every school.

Last updated 2 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Every youngster deserves a high-quality education

I am extremely pleased to be the chairwoman of the Federation of Carlisle Secondary Schools at this exciting time.

Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Heads in no-win situation when it come to snow

We have just experienced several weeks of heavy snow and unprecedented sub-zero temperatures, causing disruption to our daily routines.

Last updated 5 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Trying to unravel the mystery of the latest new qualification

How do you unravel the different qualifications to choose aged 14? Is a new Diploma the best choice for your child? These are two of the questions that I had to face with students and parents at Newman.

Last updated 17 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

The shocking truth – pupils love school and think the summer holidays are too long!

Here comes summer. But is the long school holiday really what today’s children want?Our students take great pleasure in the opportunities they have to participate in sport both competitively or simply for pleasure.

Last updated 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Schools need to flag up the choices for post-16 education

In September the Government will introduce the School Record card to enable parents to see a school’s performance in different educational areas at a glance.

Last updated 20 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It’s natural to be anxious about choice but with help parents can find a way through

I have been in Carlisle for just over three years and I have never before worked in an area where education so often has top billing in the local media or as the topic of animated conversation.

Last updated 24 March 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

It’s easy to criticise but schools have to use cold, hard facts when the snow falls

Hopefully you’re reading this as signs of spring are appearing: warmer weather, the first daffodils pushing up, roads without salt and grit.

Last updated 16 February 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Time education stopped being a political football, continually kicked in all directions

I have heard people say that it doesn’t matter which political party gets in at the next election – it will mainly be more of the same. David Cameron is another version of Tony Blair. Probably our next Prime Minister will be elected on sound bites and personality (if the economy improves).

Last updated 22 November 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Corridors are so passe - it's time to dump Victorian school ideals

A couple of months ago I visited several new academies with colleagues to develop ideas around the design of new school buildings.

Last updated 24 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Sats marking was a shambles, but it’s the tests themselves that are the real issue

One of the most original and entertaining excuses for missing homework that I ever heard went something like this: “Well, I was doing my homework at a table near an open window.The price we pay for this is worried children, some of whom take failure very hard, especially when it is made so public, and “teaching to the test”. No one would pretend that this does not happen.

Last updated 23 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

There was a way to handle this, Mr Balls, but political grandstanding wasn’t it...

There are 638 schools across the country that have to improve or close.

Last updated 22 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

I’m confident our modern education system isn’t like my old car – a rusty Talbot Horizon

Our first car was a white Talbot Horizon 1.3 LS, I bought it when it was four years old and was extremely proud of it.

Last updated 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

More focus on pupil development

Since the advent of the Every Child Matters agenda there has been a new concentration on pupil’s personal development.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

If we want respect from young people we have to earn it – not try to humiliate them

I got in trouble after my last column in Learning. It seems my wife didn’t like my revelations about our early relationship – consequently I was made to sit in the far corner of the room and not spoken to for a couple of hours.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Here’s your chance to make your choices about your education. Grab it with both hands

My wife and I are childhood sweethearts; we met whilst we were still at school.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We have a great chance to ensure every young person can attend a good school

In some parts of the country, notably London and the South East, parents have been planning how to get their child into a ‘good’ secondary school ever since it was born.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk