Blogs

Welcome to our weekly STEM education news roundup! This week’s blog will dive into some of the top stories from across the education sector, bringing you up to speed on the latest developments in schools, policies, and innovations that could impact your STEM teaching. We’ve sifted through the key news sites to bring you stories that matter, with a particular focus on the perspectives shared by Schools Week. Read on for insights, analysis, and a reflection section to help you contextualise these updates in your teaching practice.

1. Oracy as the ‘Fourth R’: A New Era for Communication in Education

Schools Week highlighted the Oracy Commission’s recent report, which calls for oracy – the development of speaking, listening, and communication skills – to be placed on equal footing with reading, writing, and arithmetic (full story). The commission suggests that oracy should be embedded across the entire curriculum, including STEM subjects, to enhance students’ ability to articulate and understand complex ideas.

The report also outlines practical steps for schools to integrate oracy into daily teaching, including structured debates, classroom discussions, and project-based learning. This initiative has garnered support from both teachers and policymakers, who see strong communication skills as critical for future success.

Reflection: As STEM educators, consider how you might incorporate oracy into your lessons. Perhaps introduce more opportunities for students to explain their thought processes, present their project findings, or debate on current STEM-related ethical dilemmas.

2. Recruitment and Retention Woes: Lead Provider Withdraws from NPQ Programme

One of the standout stories from Schools Week was the announcement that a leading National Professional Qualification (NPQ) provider has withdrawn from the scheme due to funding cuts (full story). The Teacher Development Trust (TDT) cited that government funding reductions have constrained their ability to deliver the high-quality training and support they believe is necessary for leadership development in schools.

This decision could have significant ramifications for teacher recruitment and retention, especially for STEM leaders looking to progress in their careers. With fewer NPQ options available, the need for sustainable funding models in professional development becomes more pressing.

Reflection: Discuss with colleagues how this may impact your own professional development plans. Consider how internal school-based CPD programmes might need to adapt or be strengthened in response to such challenges.

3. Gene Testing and SEND Support: Speeding Up Assessment and Provision

Another key story from Schools Week this week was the report on a new government study exploring the use of gene testing to support faster diagnosis and tailored interventions for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) (full story). The research suggests that gene testing could help identify specific learning difficulties earlier, enabling more targeted support within the school system.

However, the study has raised ethical questions around privacy, consent, and the role of genetic information in educational decision-making. These developments could significantly alter the landscape of SEND provision in schools.

Reflection: This is an opportunity to discuss with students the implications of using genetic data in educational contexts. How might these technologies help or hinder efforts to create an inclusive learning environment?

4. More Than Just Teaching: School Leaders Struggle with Workload and Wellbeing

Schools Week also shared insights into the ongoing challenges faced by school leaders around workload and wellbeing (full story). The report showed that the number of school leaders considering early retirement or career changes is rising, with many citing overwhelming administrative burdens and insufficient support. This trend is especially concerning given the pivotal role that effective leadership plays in driving school improvement.

There are calls for the Department for Education (DfE) to review leadership support and develop initiatives to reduce non-teaching-related burdens on school heads and senior leaders. In the meantime, school leaders are encouraged to prioritise their own wellbeing and look for collaborative ways to share the load.

Reflection: How can your school create a more supportive environment for its leaders? Consider ways to delegate tasks, streamline processes, or build a stronger network of peer support within your institution.

5. Reforming GCSEs: Calls for a Broader Approach to Student Achievement

There was also a major focus on GCSE reforms this week, with Schools Week reporting that multiple stakeholders, including the Oracy Commission and prominent unions, have called for GCSEs to be redesigned to better reflect student abilities (full story). The proposals suggest a shift towards more comprehensive assessments that account for a wider range of skills, including oracy, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge.

This reform has been proposed in response to concerns that current GCSEs place too much emphasis on rote learning and high-stakes testing, which can stifle creativity and fail to capture the diverse talents of students.

Reflection: Consider how changes to GCSE structures might influence your teaching approach. What opportunities could these reforms present for integrating more project-based or hands-on learning in your classroom?

6. Teacher Pay: Unions Push for ‘Above-Inflation’ Increases

Schools Week reported on the ongoing discussions around teacher pay, with unions arguing that recent pay rises, though higher than inflation, are still insufficient to retain teachers in the long term (full story). This development is crucial as it could influence teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in high-demand areas like STEM.

Reflection: This issue can serve as a conversation starter in class around economic policies, worker rights, and the challenges of workforce planning in the education sector.

Reflections and Suggested Topics for Teachers

• Oracy in STEM: With the push for oracy to become a core part of the curriculum, it’s time to think about how we can foster better communication skills in STEM lessons. Try introducing activities that require students to articulate their understanding, such as peer reviews or science communication projects.

• The Ethics of Genetic Testing in Schools: The new developments in gene testing for SEND students present a unique ethical dilemma. Discuss the balance between innovation and privacy, and consider how emerging technologies might shape the future of education.

• Supporting School Leaders: Leadership wellbeing is a critical issue. How can we create a culture that acknowledges and actively supports the mental health and workload management of our leaders?

For more information on these stories, and to keep up with the latest in STEM and education, visit the links provided throughout this blog. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s continue to shape the future of STEM education together!