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1495
King Edward VI Lichfield Established
Established as a free grammar school. Successes of the now comprehensive school owes much to the merging of traditions. On one hand, the tradition of academic excellence associated with the grammar school, and on the other, the modern school tradition of care and support for the individuals. -
The Education Act of 1944
This act aimed to remove all inequalities within the education system. The proportion of 'free places' are grammar schools increased significantly between 1913 and 1937. R.A. Butler steered this act through parliament, providing free secondary education for all pupils. The school leaving age was raised to 15, with the stated intention that it should be 16 not being made effective until 1972. -
Eleven Plus Examinations
Children would be allocated a school place on the basis of an examination at the age of 11, known as the '11 plus'. This was intended to provide equal opportunities for children of all backgrounds. Children were primarily tested on their Mathematics and English abilities.Today, the eleven plus is still in practice amongst Grammar schools across England and Wales, although not everyone is a fan! -
Education Act 1962
Although most local authorities had been doing so since World War II, this act made it mandatory within the United Kingdom for tuition fees to be paid for students completing their first full-time degree. No repayment was required by the student. In 1999 this act was repealed, and replaced by the loans that we are all familiar with. -
School leaving age increased to 16
In the 1959 Crowther report, a recommendation was made that the school leaving age was increased to 16. Although written prior to 1960, these changes were not implemented until 1972. -
Sex Discrimination Act
This act impacted annual school admissions, ensuring equal opportunities were to be had by both females and males. Irrespective of gender, all students had the same opportunities to study the courses that they desired. -
The Apple II
Apple released the Apple II desktop computer which allowed students to learn geography and math problems using computer games. -
1980
In the early 1980s, IBM (International Business Machines) came out with the first personal computer. Became eventual replacement for the typewriter when creating and completing reports and assignments. -
Education (No. 2) Act
Aspects of the act included the national curriculum being introduced, key stages being developed to ensure objectives for attainment, and parents being given the choice as to where to send their child to school. This act also lead to league tables being published, which ensured all exam results were publically available to current and prospective students. -
Abolishment of Corporal Punishment
This act abolished punishment in state schools. Physical punishment was no longer a legal act across state schools in the United Kingdom. This isn't to say these acts do not still occur around the world. -
Key Stage 2 SATs Introduced
Standard Attainment Tests were introduced by John Major in an attempt to raise the standards of children leaving Primary School. These tests assessed student achievements in line with the National Curriculum. -
Introduction of OFSTED
John Major, who introduced SATs, also created a scheme of school inspections. From these school inspections came OFSTED, who was solely responsible for the inspection of schools in England. -
A* obtainable at GCSE
A* grade was now obtainable at GCSE level, allowing students to push further than the existing A grade. This was something that both students and teachers strived for. These grades have become highly recognised, and are deemed a great achievement. -
King Edward VI celebrated its 500th anniversary
500 years previous, Bishop Smythe established the school as a free grammar school as part of the same foundation as St. John's Hospital. Everyday prayers are said for the school in the local chapel. -
Introduction of Student Finance
Labour is elected on a manifesto which includes a commitment to ensure that "the costs of student maintenance should be repaid by graduates on an income-related basis ..." David Blunkett, the Labour Education Secretary, announces the introduction of £1,000 tuition fees to be paid by every student in each year of study, beginning in September 1998. The student grant of £1,710 is abolished to be replaced by means-tested student loans. -
The Interactive Whiteboard
By the late 1990s, the blackboard was gradually getting replaced with an interactive whiteboard. -
Special educational Needs Code of Practice
This act ensures that all needs of children are met, whilst also promoting consistency in meeting these needs. This code of practice places the children with additional needs at the center of the practice and also allows them to make decisions regarding their own education. Frameworks are set out to ensure schools identify any additional needs as soon as possible. -
Ysgol yr Hendy
2002 - 2004. I completed Reception and Year 1 at Hendy Cp School. It was the only school in the area which catered for English speakers, ensuring I could reach my full potential. I attended weekly Welsh lessons here, although apart from knowing 'pen ac ysgwyddau' means head and shoulders, I don't know much else! -
Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters is a UK government initiative for England and Wales, that was launched, partly, in response to the death of Victoria Climbié. Its main aims are for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to stay safe, healthy, achieve goals, make positive contributions, and achieve economic well-being. -
Fulfen Primary School
2004 - 2009. It was at Fulfen Primary School that I completed my SAT Examinations -
Education leaving age increased to 18
Students starting Secondary School in 2008 will be the first year to in education or training until the age of 18. Alan Johnson, the Education Secretary, set up a team to lay down changes due to come into force in 2013 when the school leaving age will change for the first time since 1972. From 2013, full-time paid employment has been against the law for under-18s unless combined with an approved training scheme. -
King Edward VI School, Lichfield
2009 - 2016.
It was at King Edward VI School that I obtained my GCSE's and A-levels. -
A* obtainable at A-Level
A* grade was now obtainable at A-Level, allowing students to push further than the existing A grade. This was something that both students and teachers strived for. This grade has become highly recognised, and is deemed a great achievement, especially by Russel Group Universities. -
Special Educational Needs code of practice
This document replaces the code of practice set out in 2001. It details legal requirements that must be followed, as well as the duties of those who surround students. -
Nottingham Trent University
September 2016 - January 2017. At Nottingham Trent University I started a degree in Business Management and Marketing. I got to the end of the first term, and realised I couldn't see where this degree was taking me. Something I have noticed throughout my education on numerous occasions is that I have to have an achievable and visible endgame in order for me to succeed. Nothing is more certain than a teaching position once completing my Qualified Teaching Status degree. -
University of Wolverhampton
September 2017 - Present. I am currently presenting this to you as a student at The University of Wolverhampton. Completing a Computer Science with QTS degree will ultimately leave me in a position to become a secondary school teacher, educating students between 11 and 18. I am passionate about removing the negative stigma and gender-specific view surrounding the subject. My passion ultimately derived from my experience with IT during secondary school, and how I was engaged in the subject.
