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Butler Act
The Butler Act Resulted in the creation of the Ministry of Education. Public education was organised into primary, secondary and further. Free and compulsory education was provided to those up until aged 18. Free education to aged 18 was offered to those who wanted it (some employed young people accessed this on a part-time basis). -
Personal implications
I personally went through primary, secondary and further levels of education as a result of this act. This was the start of the events which led to me having to stay in education until at least 16 years of age with the opportunity of further education until 18 if I wanted it. The Butler Act also contributed to the fact that I didn’t have to pay to be in education until 18 years of age. -
O an A-Levels introduced
Winston Churchill appointed Florence Horsbrugh Minister of Education. Winston Churchill immediately cut spending on education when he was reinstated. O and A-levels are introduced. The General Certificate of Education (GCE) was introduced to be taken at Ordinary Level (16) and Advanced Level (18). -
Personal Implications
I believe this was the basis for the examination experiences I had throughout my time in secondary education. I sat GCSE examinations at aged 15-16 and obtained 11 GCSE’s all grades A*-B. I then undertook 3 A-Levels, in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, between the ages of 17-18. Of which the grades achieved were B, C, B respectively. -
The teaching of general science
Following the reprint of ‘The teaching of general science’ in 1960, the science teaching organisations ceased to argue the case for general science. -
Nuffield Foundation
The Minister for education (1962) Sir David Eccles announced the Nuffield foundation had decided to make £250,000 available towards the improved teaching of school science and mathematics. -
The end of the 11-plus?
In 1965 Circular 10/65 declared the Labour governments intention to “end selection at 11-plus and to eliminate separation in secondary school education” (Chitty, 2002, p18). In the years leading up to 1970 many LEAs abandoned selection; however many resisted and there still remains 164 grammar schools to this day.1 -
Personal Implications
The idea of going to a grammar school was never instilled in me during my time in education. However when I started university I was given the impression that those who went to grammar schools were better prepared for some of the tasks within university, compared to me after having gone to a public secondary school. -
School leaving age and unemployment
School leaving age raised to 16. Cynics believed that the moment chosen to raise the school leaving age coincided with the need to present less dramatic youth unemployment figures to the public. Children Act ensures that the minimum age at which children could be employed (13) would not be affected by any further change in the school leaving age. -
Personal Implications
The leaving age of students would not be raised again until 2013. This meant that at 16, if I had chosen to do so, I could have left school. However I chose to stay at my schools sixth form to take my A-Level examinations with the hope that I could then go onto university to obtain a degree in Chemistry. The minimum age for employment would go through a further change as I was unable to secure even a part-time position until the age of 16. -
Secondary science curriculum review
Secondary science curriculum review looked at how children learn and how best they can be taught. The political climate towards education was changing and concerns about teaching and standards, gender equality and lack of agreed objectives suggested a need for national curriculum entitlement. The government also launched the Microelectronics Education Program to put a computer in every school. -
The Education Act
The Education Act (sometimes referred to as ‘The Baker Act’ after secretary of state Kenneth Baker) was presented. This act introduced the National Curriculum, City Technology Colleges (CTCs) and local management of schools. Science was one of ten 'core' subjects included in the National Curriculum that was produced. -
Examinations
GCSEs replaces GC ‘O’ levels. They were considered as a new method of assessing learning developed, e.g. coursework and application of knowledge. SATs were also introduced at 7, 11 and 14 in core subjects. -
Personal Implications
I remember completing SAT examinations at aged 11 and 14. I then undertook GCSEs in English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Religious Education, Information Technology, Design Technology (Food Technology), Drama and General Studies aged 15-16. -
OFSTED
Education (Schools) Act establishes OFSTED (Office for Standard in Education). This included individual school inspections but also research into wider issues such as equality, teaching and learning in specific subjects. Failing schools were put under special measures and given targets for improvement. -
Education Act
Key Stage 1 class sizes to be reduced to 30 however no additional funding was made available to pay for the estimated 2400 extra teachers that would be needed to reduce the class sizes. -
Personal Implications
Having always been part of a class of up to 30 pupils I believe this has shaped my views on class sizes. In most situations I believe 30 students is more than enough for one teacher to teach, handle and develop. However having a 1:30 ratio can be insufficient as some students thrive in environments where there are fewer students or more members of staff present. I believe the need for teaching assistants is evident and I will take it upon myself to build good relationships with these colleagues. -
First Day of school
In September 1997 I started school at Blakenhale nursery. -
PPA
'Raising Standards and Tackling Workload: A National Agreement' introduced the following: Removed administrative tasks from teachers (e.g. exam invigilation) Introduced PPA (planning, preparation and assessment) time to teachers working day. Reformed support staff roles to help teachers and support pupils. -
Personal Implications
I believe the introduction of PPA time into a teachers timetable can only better the quality of lessons and assessments for the students-providing the time is used effectively. I believe I will be grateful for PPA time throughout my career. -
The Children Act: Every Child Matters
Integrated children's services; extended schools (by 2010) to provide out of school activities, family support and access to specialist services. This came as a result of the death of Victoria Climbie, the young girl who was horrifically abused, tortured and eventually killed by her great aunt and the man with whom they lived. -
Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver begins his campaign for better (healthier) school dinners. -
National Strategy for Secondary Education
National Strategy for Secondary Education replaces the Key Stage 3 strategy to promote:
'Interactive and inclusive' whole-class teaching, which gets the best from every child;
extra small-group or one-to-one tuition for those who need it;
Innovative use of ICT, both in the classroom and linking the classroom and home. -
21st Century Science is Introduced
21st Century Science was introduced as a GCSE option in all UK schools designed to 'give all 14-16 year olds a worthwhile and inspiring experience of science' that ddressed many of the recommendations in the Beyond 2000 report. -
First Day of Secondary School
In September 2006 I started my secondary school journey at Cockshut Hill Technology College. -
Science SATs Abolished
Key Stage 2 science SATs were abolished in England. The loss of science SATs was met with a mixture of optimism and trepidation. The hope was that this change would allow for innovation in the classroom. However, others worried that, as SATs in English and Mathematics still remained, science would be relegated within schools and viewed as less important. -
Personal Implications
My personal opinion agrees with those who believe that removing the science SAT at Key Stage 2 has resulted in its importance being diminished. Students are beginning secondary school with very little science knowledge-both theoretical and practical. -
First Day of University
In September 2013 I began my higher education journey at Aston University. The following three years would be tough and full of hard work however it was most definitely worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears. -
Removal of practical assessments from A-Level Science
Ofqual removes direct assessment of practical skills from A-Level Science due to a concern that coursework fails to distinguish between candidates of different abilities. A-Levels become linear with the decoupling of A2 from AS. -
Personal Implications
Having studied both Chemistry and Physics at A-Level I believe removing the contributions of practical activities is only going to hinder the students. I did not feel prepared for the level of practical work in my first year of university from what I had experienced at A-Level and I believe this will only become more common in students now sitting science A-Levels. I would definitely still encourage A-Level practicals however the reality may be with 100% focus on exams this may not happen. -
Leaving age raised
The school leaving age is raised to 18. -
Educational Excellence Everywhere
Introduced by Nicky Morgan (the secretary of State for Education):
Continues to encourage high performing maintained schools to put forward applications for academies. Implement measures so that all inadequate schools become sponsored academies and coasting schools are tackled for the first time. Take powers to direct schoiols to become academies in under performing local authority areas. All new schools will be free and 500 are promised by 2020. -
Graduation
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First teaching of reformed, linear science GCSEs
Single GCSE core science is no longer available and coursework is removed. Students can either study Combined Science GCSE or Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs. -
Personal Implications
With no coursework in any of the GCSE science syllabus' I believe this is going to cause problems for students who do not do well during exams but thrive in other forms of assessment such as coursework. This is a hurdle I am going to have to overcome with the students by finding new inventive ways of teaching some topics. -
Start of PGCE
