NEWS


KS1 data shows the expected standard was not realistic, says NAHT


A new way to introduce children to classic stories and poetry


Comics Laureate, Dave Gibbons, has teamed up with comprehension expert, Lindsay Pickton, and global education publisher, Oxford University Press, to create 28 brand new Graphic Texts. These brand new Graphic Texts support Dave’s


mission as Comics Laureate to use comics and graphic texts to promote literacy in schools. The texts offer teachers a new way to introduce children aged 8–11 to classics such as The Secret Garden, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Oliver Twist, as well as beautiful poetry from William Wordsworth, Wilfred Owen and Edgar Allen Poe, and engaging non-fiction about famous inventors, scientists and explorers. With recent analysis from this year’s Key Stage 2


reading assessments showing how children are falling behind with comprehension, and reports such as the Save the Children Read On. Get On.


campaign highlighting how many children are ‘switched off’ from reading, Graphic Texts can offer an alternative way to help children to re-connect with reading. The detailed illustrations and clear text layout


also offer children support with their comprehension skills such as vocabulary development and inference. Andrea Quincey, Head of Primary English at


Oxford University Press, says: “Ask any teacher what holds children back in their progress as readers and they will probably say ‘inference’. Graphic texts can really help in this area because they encourage readers to think, to question, to infer meaning and to form their own opinions and responses to a text. And when children understand and are emotionally connected to what they read, they are far more motivated to read more.”


Commenting on key stage 1 assessment data published at the end of September, Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “We know that because of changes to assessment, the data cannot be compared to previous years. However, we know that standards in primary schools are continually improving. “Unlike for key stage 2 SATs, we see writing is


below reading and maths, which is much more as educational professionals would expect. It is clear that the new expected standard was not ‘broadly in line with 2b’ as had originally been suggested, but was in fact clearly higher. School leaders have been saying this all along. “The data shows attainment gaps remain a


challenge. More girls than boys continue to meet the phonics standard, but this gap is decreasing; the gap between pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) and all other pupils has narrowed again, which is welcome; the gap between SEN pupils and non-SEN pupils has not changed, which is something the government needs to be mindful of. “In further changes to SATs, we need to ensure


that the system works for all pupils. We have already called on the government not to publish KS2 data because of this year's chaos and confusion. We need a system that challenges and supports, and not one that leaves pupils disengaged from learning.” James Bowen, director of middle leaders’ union


NAHT Edge, said: “for everyone in teaching this year, the SATs system has been one of chaos and confusion at every stage. It is clearly now time for the government to admit that the new expected standard is significantly higher than they originally suggested, and not broadly in line with a 2b. “Middle leaders I talk to are clear; we cannot


have a repeat of mistakes we have seen this year. To create a long term vision for assessment, NAHT’s assessment review group, of which I’m a member, will help steer the government towards the meaningful and long-term reforms the system so desperately needs.”


uwww.naht.org.uk


Derbyshire primary school celebrates new building


The High Sheriff of Derbyshire has officially opened a primary school’s brand new £2.2million building during a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Youngsters moved into the new building


halfway through the summer term after leaving the old premises on Main Road, which had been used as a school since 1828. At the official opening, held on 20th


September, parents, civic dignitaries and guests were given a tour of the new school, which boasts four classrooms, sports grounds, a music room, a large hall and library. A special assembly was held to celebrate the occasion and included songs and performances


from the children, an address from the Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby and a blessing of the school. Afterwards, the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill cut the ribbon in front of the


crowd of excited onlookers. She also unveiled a plaque, which was donated to the school by Kirk Langley-based Impala Stone Ltd. Acting head teacher Nicola Foulds commented that the event had been a success: “I am delighted that the Bishop and High Sheriff of Derbyshire were able to open our new


school, made possible by Miller Homes. I am in no doubt that this new facility will help Brailsford Primary School go from strength to strength.”


uwww.brailsford.derbyshire.sch.uk 6 www.education-today.co.uk October 2016


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