This year’s general election may see the Conservatives defeated and the Labour Party returned to power. Such a prospect raises the possibility – and the hope – that education policy in England could take a better direction. It’s a pivotal moment. And yet something is missing from the debate: a call for a fully-comprehensive education service which is democratic and life-enhancing.
The FORUM Board has compiled this ebook in order to raise that call. Our ebook diagnoses the sickly state of the education system. It also sets out considered and well-grounded proposals for progress towards a healthier educational dispensation. Concise, pointed and fluent contributions address the purposes of education, so long neglected under this government, as well as fundamental matters of curriculum, assessment and inclusion, the image of the child, the work of the teacher, and the need to move beyond ‘ability’ thinking. Contributors also engage with policy relating to the structure, governance and inspection of England’s schools, as well as to the early years sector.
The lineaments of a comprehensive future for English education come clear in the light of these contributions, to refresh debate and prompt further discussion.
Foreword Patrick Yarker
PURPOSES OF EDUCATION
Education in England: an ailing system, historical amnesia and hope for the future Peter Moss
For survival, caring and flourishing: purposes of education The FORUM Board
THE EARLY YEARS
Towards universal early childhood education: high time for rethinking a dysfunctional system Peter Moss
PUPILS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
The image of the child in education Diane Reay
‘A time for revolution, not for patching’: renewing the work of teaching in England Viv Ellis
The ‘ability’ discourse, or comprehensive education? Patrick Yarker
CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
The case for radical curriculum reform John White
What would a genuinely alternative assessment system look like? Alistair McConville
INCLUSION
School inclusion and exclusion: some context Patrick Yarker
Inclusion – the ‘ethic of everybody’ Paula Ayliffe
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
School structures: confronting the ‘Thing’ Melanie Griffiths
Governance of schools: current issues and an alternative vision Anne West and David Wolfe
Ofsted and beyond Mary Bousted
RETURNING TO HEALTH
Framing a new common sense; the way forward for English public education Melissa Benn
