• The problem with using psychoanalysis on children

    Michael Richards, Edge Hill University Children with problems or problem children? That is the question often asked by parents and teachers alike. If a child is naughty in school, are they a “bad” child or are they facing mental ill health? Most analysis focuses on children being the problem – a highly individualistic take which…

  • Why conditional offers are better for students

    As we enter the new application cycle, a fresh cohort of prospective students will again be confronted with unconditional offers (not based on their final exam results) or other incentivised offers to persuade them to choose a particular university. As this practice becomes increasingly common, key figures in education are questioning whether it really benefits…

  • Parents are pulling children from RE lessons – so they don’t learn about Islam

    Paul Smalley, Edge Hill University Religion has always been a feature of schooling in England. The Education Act of 1944 made the study of Religion the only compulsory subject in school and it was to be accompanied by a “daily act of worship” for all pupils. Back then religion was largely synonymous with Christianity. But…

  • Five top tips for an outstanding UCAS form

    Sarah Wright, Edge Hill University As the final UCAS deadline looms in mid-January, it’s understandable to worry that you don’t have time to complete a quality application that will bag you that place on the course of your dreams. But fear not, because here are some tips for putting together a successful, stand out application.…

  • NQT boot camp: five things to remember about setting up a classroom

    In the first part of her summer advice series for newly qualified teachers, teacher educator Sarah Wright shares her tips for preparing and creating a learning environment.   The excitement of finally getting your own classroom can be overwhelming. Whether you have been hoarding supplies all through your PGCE or are about to embark on a summer…

  • Stressed out: the psychological effects of tests on primary school children

    Some parents are so angry with the testing regime facing their children that they have come together in an attempt to boycott primary school exams. Preparation by teachers for these standardised achievement tests (SATs) in England have involved a narrowing of the curriculum, including a specific focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar. Parents believe that…

  • Why cutting Parent Governors out of schools matters

    Professor John Diamond (Director of the University’s Institute for Public Policy) comments on the Government’s White Paper on Education: The significance of the many changes announced by the Government recently will be taken up by a number of groups over the next few months. Clearly the headlines have focused on the way teachers are educated…

  • Why universities need to turn on their listening ears

    Professor John Diamond (Director of the University’s I4P) suggests a pattern of responses is not just a coincidence. Judge Judy has many memorable phrases and “you need to put on your listening ears”, is perhaps my favourite. It’s been very noticeable over the past month or so that as I have sat and listened to…

  • Why is it difficult to work with universities?

    Professor John Diamond (Director of the University’s I4P) on why higher education needs not to assume that their world view is shared: Looking to develop good university, community or locality relationships is a recurrent theme and plea from practitioners and policy makers. On March 21st we are co-hosting an event in Manchester (click here for details), which…

  • The importance of linking ideas, policy and practice when working with children

    Professor John Diamond (Director of the University’s I4P) argues for making explicit the links between ideas, policy and practice: Listening to Professor Tom Cockburn – who is Head of the University’s Social Science Department and has extensive experience of thinking about and researching childhood studies – give his professorial lecture, I was struck (again) by…