ADRIAN TUITT ARTICLE 002: GCSE AND A LEVEL GRADES, REVIEW OF CHILDREN IN SOCIAL CARE AND OBESITY RISES
As we reach our second week in my articles, I have been wondering what useful information I can provide for my LinkedIn community.
Although my main focus has been on the youth, over the years I have managed to build up a strong client base for my mentoring sessions of all ages. So it only seemed fair for me to provide some useful information on those topics that can benefit all ages.
Please feel free to share, connect or send me a message.
You can find out more about my services at www.adriantuitt.me
Monday 18th January 2021
GCSE and A-level grades could be sat at home as evidence
A consultation has been launched over suggested plans for grading.
The Department for Education (DfE) and Ofqual, England’s exam regulator, have suggested marks should be based on teacher assessment of “the standard at which the student is performing."
They are requesting that exam boards should make a set of papers available so that teachers can use it as part of their judgements as they feel that this method may not be possible for all pupils.
Overall although this is a tough time, it's clear that the light is coming. We must educate each other and offer advice and support where needed. Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, has said: “marks will not be determined by an algorithm.”
For more information you can read the full article here:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/exams-grades-gcse-alevel-b1788270.htmL
Education Secretary Launches Review Of Children In Social Care, Whilst Strengthening Families To Improve Vulnerable Children’s Lives
A review has been put in place to radically reform the system. A poor outcome has been highlighted and this needs to be addressed, together we can improve the lives of the most vulnerable children in England. Every child needs to experience the benefits of a stable loving home.
In a speech to children’s charities and sector organisations, the Education Secretary will also announce that he has appointed Josh MacAlister to lead the review.
The Review will address the clear need for change that supports children to achieve their potential. Children who have been in care comprise 25% of the homeless and 24% of the prison population. Over a third of care leavers (39%) are not in education, employment or training, compared to 13% of all 19-21-year-olds and just 13% progressed to Higher Education by age 19 compared to 43% of all other pupils.
In addition, statistics published today revealed the number of serious incident notifications between April and September 2020. Every death or harm of a child is tragic and we are working to understand the impact of COVID on the nature of serious incidents. This data will provide important information to the care review to help address major challenges.
Read the full Press Release here below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/education-secretary-launches-review-of-childrens-social-care
Obesity Rises As Third Lockdown Is Affecting Physical Education For Children And Their Wellbeing
Sports England has released their 2019/2020 latest data on children and young people’s activity levels. Below you can find a response from The Youth Sports Trust.
The Youth Sport Trust has responded to Sport England's latest data on children and young people's activity levels - https://www.youthsporttrust.org
Key findings from the Active Lives – Children and Young People data show that during the 2019/20 academic year:
44.9% of young people (3.2 million) average at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – the recommended amount set by the Chief Medical Officer.
This is down from 46.8% last year – a decrease of 86,500 young people.
31.3% (2.3 million) of young people averaged less than 30 minutes per day (vs. 29% last year).
During the summer term, after the first national lockdown, there had been a significant decline in young people’s confidence and competence – two of the key elements of physical literacy. The summer term saw activity levels for girls hold up better than for boys.
Sport England say “the research shows that schools play a vital role in keeping young people active – both through physical education and by providing the facilities many clubs and groups rely on.
Responding to the research, Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver MBE, said:
"It has been an extraordinarily difficult year for young people who have seen such huge disruption to their lives and education. This research highlights the urgent need for a bold national plan to stop the decline in young people’s development and wellbeing.
“Fewer than half of young people are averaging the Chief Medical Officers’ recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. This risks storing up problems for the development and wellbeing of a generation. From supporting physical, social and emotional development to fitness and health, there is so much that an active lifestyle can and should do to help young people growing up amid the crisis of a global pandemic…..."
Alan Watkinson, Director of Sport Impact and Vince Brittain, CEO of Inspire+ said:
"The Active Lives survey reflects an amazing effort to keep children active in extremely challenging circumstances. We see this in the professionalism, creativity and determination of our members and of the wider sector.
However, we are still in a critical situation where long-term physical and mental health is under a severe threat. Covid-19 has shone a light on some fundamental challenges for our society in terms of the extremely poor health of the nation and the capacity of the NHS to respond…..."
You can find Sports England's full report here:
Active Lives Children and Young People Survey Coronavirus (Covid-19) Report Mid-May to late-July 2020 (the summer term)
For more information on how to tackle obesity, you can also check my sports coaching company https://www.thelittlerunners.co.uk
Stay safe, stay motivated.
The time is now!
Adrian Tuitt