News
NSEAD contributes to an Oral Evidence Session with Michael Gove
The Education Select Committee invited questions about education policy via twitter to present to the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove MP at an oral evidence session held on Tuesday 31 January.
Questions were submitted to a deadline of 11am on Friday 27 January using the hashtag #AskGove. It was reported that the Committee received 5000 questions.
Alongside colleagues from many other subject associations, NSEAD officers posed the following questions:
#AskGove in Finland + many top perform countries Art+Music r compulsory <16. Why does the E-bac exclude arts subject?
#AskGove In NEXT GEN Rep, Livingston recs that art is in the E-Bacc. The CBI agree. YP need skills that employers want. Why is art excluded?
#AskGove in three years there’s been 60% reduction in art PGCEs. Some schools rep difficulties in recruiting art teachers. Why the cont reduction?
#AskGove why are we still operating within a Victorian model of education?
#AskGove where the evidence base is for his policy decisions on changes to teacher training?
#AskGove how teachers can get out of school and access high quality professional development in the cultural sector without funding?
#AskGove is he aware of Obama’s intention to reinvest in art education because of its contribution to creativity, the economy and well being?
#AskGove if he understands the value of fingertip knowledge and intelligent making?
#AskGove why is CPD not an entitlement for all teachers, especially with change happening? So few get quality CPD opportunities.
#AskGove does a knowledge based curriculum prepare children 4 a world where skills are essential and knowledge is freely available?
#AskGove why did u not evaluate the recent nat curriculum b4 u decided to replace it? All that £ spent embedding and no evaluation?
#Askgove what is your view on subject associations as link to teachers and ability 2 advise u. Why r u not exploiting their potential?
Disappointingly there was no mention of arts and the E-Bac or the Expert Panel Curriculum Review recommendations.
In response to a question asking if teachers should be part of a professional body Michael Gove replied: 'It was important for teachers to align themselves with or benefitting from professional associations: 'They (professional associations and unions) produce material on the curriculum and professional development, they have educational journals...they (teachers and lecturers) should be part of one fused profession'. We welcome the Government endorsing associations such as NSEAD.
The full interview can be seen here (11.39:40 for Mr Gove's endorsement of professional associations).
UCAS report decrease in applications for Creative Arts and Design courses
UCAS have reported a 16.1 per cent fall in the numbers of applications for Creative Arts and Design courses compared to this time last year. The total applicant numbers are 7.4 per cent lower that at the same point in 2011.
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Questions for Ministers
Don Foster MP asks John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning: 'Does the Minister acknowledge that the expert panel on the curriculum review are concerned that the role of cultural and creative subjects in a broad and balanced curriculum is in danger of being lost? Given the significant reduction in postgraduate certificate in education in art and design places and the lack of cultural subjects in the E-Bacc, are they not right to be concerned?'
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Transition or the Inner Image Revisited
Art Space Gallery presents 'Transition or the Inner Image Revisited' an exhibition looking at the radical interaction of art and education in the 1960s in two British cities: Leicester and Cardiff. It tells the story of the Leicester Group and their associates – nine young artists around the inspirational teacher Tom Hudson. It shows how a group of young artists extended the language of constructivism through use of materials and popular imagery. Art Space Gallery, 84 St Peter’s Street, London N1 8JS
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Climate Week, 12 to 18 March 2012
Climate Week is Britain’s biggest climate change campaign - a national occasion to inspire a new wave of action on climate change. It culminates with thousands of events and activities taking place throughout the week of 12 to 18 March 2012, planned by organisations from every part of society. Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change, the campaign aims to renew their ambition to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
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