A Year Gone By : 6 Things to Reflect On From 2018/19

As another school year closes, it is always an opportunity to reflect on what’s happened over the last 12 months.

For many in education, 2018/19 has been a year of significant change (and let’s face it, which year has not been like this), so what has been occupying our thoughts this year?

1. Let’s talk about sex (or not as the case may be)

The announcement of statutory relationships and health education has proved to be contentious and led to much debate across the country. Schools now have 12 months to prepare for teaching to begin in September 2020.

And after about 18 months of talking about it, in July the government finally snuck out the Healthy School rating scheme. This didn’t get much coverage so you may well have missed this.

2. I’m a teacher – get me out of here!

Recruitment and retention continues to be a major challenge despite the launch of the Teacher Recruitment Service.

Workload continues to be cited as the main cause for high numbers leaving the profession, and in response the government updated their toolkit being released in March.

3. Abbreviation bingo – NQT, RQT, NQT+1, ECF?

The Early Career Framework was launched with a view to full roll out in September 2021 with the new two-year induction period for NQTs.

Across the country those entering the profession will try to work out which abbreviation actually applies to them.

4. ‘Everything in moderation’ so said someone quite dull

In the world of assessment and moderation there were new standards and exemplification for reading and maths at KS1 and the removal of requirement to submit TA judgements for Reading and maths at KS2. We also saw a shift in focus particularly at GDS for writing.

And as ever there are many more new initiatives and policy changes to be implemented over the new year. So amongst the many changes planned, what are some of the things to ‘look forward’ to this next academic year…

5. ‘Don’t know much about history, don’t know much biology…’

Of course 2020 is all about curriculum.

From September 2019, under the new Inspection Framework, there is a requirement that schools communicate their curriculum intent, and create and deliver a strategy for successful implementation. Schools will need to create a cohesive curriculum that builds on prior learning, deepens knowledge and responds to their unique school community.

You can find out more about that here.

6. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

There will be a focus on the EYFS with the baseline assessment pilots for all three points of intake (to be formally introduced Sep 2020) and the consultation on the EYFS framework and EYFS Profile with revised early learning goals.

Also the online multiplication checks will be implemented for all Year 4 pupils.

Don’t forget to sharpen your (metaphorical) pencils and bring your lucky gonk.

And just to keep you on your toes…

There will also be a revised version of Keeping Children Safe in Education launched on September 2^nd.

Remember this year we also talked a lot about mental and emotional health and well-being of pupils and staff – so stop reading this blog, go eat some ice cream.

That’s an order!

Enjoy the summer holidays, switch off and don’t even think about Brexit!

And if you really want to find out more – check out the links below. We have collected some great free resources, articles and some courses for you to consider.

If you feel that you could do with some support on any of the topics we have touched on above, Services For Education have a variety of different training courses and bespoke sessions to meet your needs. Check some of them out here.

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