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Buckingham in the news
January 2006 update
| International news | National news | Radio, television and other appearances | Local news |
International news
Greek athletes. A number of articles appeared in both national and international media regarding Greek athletes Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, who are both clients of Gregory Ioannidis .
Isaacs appointed Director of Financial Services. News that Buckingham alumnus Leslie Isaacs ( LLB 1992) has been appointed Director of Financial Services for the Bahamas. Bahama Journal / www.jonesbahamas.com , 27 January
National news
Plato's Children. Professor Anthony O'Hear's new book, Plato's Children (London: Gibson Square, 2005), was reviewed in various publications including the New Statesman and the Daily Telegraph (where it was also number 8 on the best sellers list).
Alliance formed.
This article looks at an
alliance between
JDS
Group of Faringdon and the
Industrial Trust (an organisation which promotes careers in
technology, engineering and science to young people). The Managing
Director of
JDS
explains that this link is important
following the study by Buckingham's
Centre for Education and
Employment Research
showing that physics is declining
dramatically.
Machinery World
, January 2006. The study was
also mentioned in
What Investment
, on
www.bbc.co.uk
on 3 January and in the
Times
Educational Supplement
on 6 January.
Read the news article:
Physics crisis linked to lack
of qualified teachers
Teachers who are bottom of the class at spelling. Professor Alan Smithers is quoted in this article which looks at the increasing number of teachers who are unable to correct simple spelling mistakes. He explains, "Many teachers came through the education system when spelling was regarded as unimportant. It will be possible to achieve consistency over time but we really did start from a low base." Daily Mail , 3 January.
Expert warns against government phonics plans. The Government's plans to use phonics "fast, first and only" to teach children were criticised by a reading expert from the University of Warwick. In the same article, Professor Chris Woodhead is mentioned as a critic of progressive teaching methods; he blames them for poor levels of literacy in children. The Guardian , 4 January.
Ms Average on £32k – but it's not all about money. A survey carried out by the TES has revealed that a vast majority of teachers are lured into their careers by the promise of an interesting job and the chance to work with children. Professor Alan Smithers comments on the findings, saying, "Teachers are generally people who like to work with other people. In comparison with many other professions the external, material rewards tend to be much less of an issue." Times Educational Supplement , 6 January
American research shows Kelly the way. This article, written by Professor Smithers, looks at the proposed empowerment of parents to have more say on where their child is taught. Professor Smithers suggests the Government has taken its inspiration from the Chicago Public Schools Choice Programme where such a method has had great effect on reducing racial segregation. He does point out, however, that this method has not had such positive results in Sweden. The Independent , 12 January.
Schools shun hard subjects to climb the tables. Professor Smithers comments on the increasing number of schools offering GNVQs to boost their league table standing: "How is a pupil who wants to be a doctor or a physicist to pursue that career if they are not offered the chance to study academic science at school?" Daily Mail ,13 January. A similar article appeared in the Times Educational Supplement on 12 January.
Bogus league tables. An academic from the University of York (which appeared 61st in the annual league table of teacher training compiled by the Centre for Education and Employment Research ) has branded the tables 'pseudo-scientific' and said the figures are meaningless. Professor Smithers explained that the tables are compiled in the fairest way possible. Times Educational Supplement , 13 January.
Fresh call for degree revamp. Following the fourth consecutive year of increases in the number of students gaining first and upper second class degrees, Professor Alan Smithers suggests the figures highlight that the system is "failing to distinguish achievement at first degree level" and that it is in need of reform. Times Higher Education Supplement , 13 January.
Off with their heads; how to improve school performance. This article looks at the Government's current method of improving schools by awarding more money to those who perform badly, or by shutting them down altogether and building academies in their place. Professor Chris Woodhead feels this isn't the correct way to improve schooling; he feels, "It isn't a matter of money; it's leadership first and foremost." Professor Smithers feels that money should be targeted at students, not at schools. The Economist , 14 January.
Take company cars on an economy drive. In an article that looks at the pros and cons of businesses offering company cars to their employees, Buckingham alumnus Chris Smith ( LLB 1984) is featured as a case study. Chris explains that leasing cars, as opposed to purchasing them, saves a great deal of money, administration and risk. Daily Telegraph , 17 January 2006.
Kelly attacked on exams and truancy. Professor Alan Smithers comments on the release of league tables showing Britain's most improved schools. He feels these are misleading as they don't include exam results for English and Maths. Financial Times , 19 January. A similar article also appeared in the Daily Mail , The Times , Yorkshire Post and Cambridge Evening News on 19 January and in The Guardian on 21 January.
All the answers. Natalie Whitty from the University of Cambridge interviewed Professor Chris Woodhead about his views on the current system of schooling and what he feels could be done to improve it. Natalie is rather sceptical about Professor Woodhead's ideas on how to educate those not bright enough to attend grammar school, and also on his thoughts about providing parents with a voucher system that could also be used for private schooling. Varsity (University of Cambridge student newspaper), 20 January.
Aptitude v ability (It's just the same thing). In an article that looks at the Government's distinction between the words aptitude and ability, Professor Alan Smithers comments that this attempt at differentiation is "blatant hypocrisy". Daily Mail , 21 January.
Independence is worth celebrating: ask the US. In his article Dr Terence Kealey looks at the funding and success of America's independent universities and compares them to government-funded universities in Britain. Dr Kealey concludes that the dual-funding of British universities means universities lack the independence that would make them better. The Guardian , 31 January.
Radio, television and other appearances
- appeared on BBC Radio 4's Start the Week talking about his new book, Plato's Children , on 23 January.
- appeared on BBC Three Counties Radio on 17 January to talk about the Spanish language, why people choose to learn it and whether it is difficult to learn.
- was interviewed on 4 January on the BBC Three Counties Radio Breakfast Show regarding "Teachers who are bottom of the class at spelling".
Dr Claire Stocker
- appeared in a documentary based on genes and obesity which was aired on 11 January on the Discovery Channel. Part of Claire's interview was based in the Clore Laboratory .
Local news
Resolutions time… Vi May ( Admissions and Marketing ) was interviewed for this piece about New Year's resolutions. Amongst her pledges was the intention to exercise more and to buy the Advertiser every week. Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser , 6 January.
The return of The Love Bug. News that Herbie Fully Loaded will be shown at The Film Place on 14 January. Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser, 6 January.
Free tickets. This is for the offer of free tickets to a special cinema showing (sponsored by the Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser) at The Film Place. Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser, Brackley & Towcester Advertiser , 6 January.
It's the place for action… News that around 150 people attended The Film Place's showing of Five Children and It which was sponsored by the Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser. Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser, Bicester Review 12 January.
What's on diary. Herbie Fully Loaded to be shown on 14 January in the Ian Fairbairn Lecture Hall. Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser , 13 January.
Hundreds apply for title battle. News that Law student John Findlay has organised a Miss Silverstone competition. Bicester Review , 20 January.
University of Buckingham news in the Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser, Brackley & Towcester Advertiser and Bicester Review :
-
13 January
- News of the retirement of Professor Andrew Durand.
-
20 January
- News of the first concert of the Winter Term.
-
27 January
- News of the second concert of the Winter Term
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