The STEM Educator’s Weekly Roundup: Key Education News (4th - 11th February 2025)
Welcome to this week’s blog, where we explore the latest education stories, particularly those relevant to STEM teachers in the UK. Whether it's policy shifts, new research, or innovative teaching methods, this roundup provides insights and reflections for the classroom.
1. SEND and Special Educational Needs Policy Updates
Assessing Absent and Excluded Pupils for SEND
A new report suggests that students who are frequently absent or excluded from school should be automatically assessed for special educational needs (SEND). The study highlights a "postcode lottery" in SEND support and calls for more consistent national policies. With increasing numbers of students facing barriers to learning, this could be a game-changer in ensuring support is provided early. 🔗 Read more: Schools Week
Marked Decline in EHCPs in Academised Areas
New research from TES has found that highly academised areas issue significantly fewer Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). There are concerns that some children who require additional support may be overlooked, particularly girls with emotional disorders. 🔗 Read more: TES Magazine
2. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools
Mental Health Interventions Backfire in Some Cases
A landmark government-funded study has revealed that four out of five mental health interventions tested in schools had unintended negative effects on some students. While well-intended, these initiatives may need to be re-evaluated to ensure they provide effective support. 🔗 Read more: Schools Week
New Ofsted Inspection Guidelines Criticised
School leaders have expressed concerns about new Ofsted inspection toolkits, arguing that they appear rushed and may not accurately reflect school performance. This is particularly relevant for STEM educators, who often struggle with the challenge of balancing inspections with innovative teaching methods. 🔗 Read more: Schools Week
3. Curriculum and Assessment
Functional Skills Requirements Eased for Apprentices
In a significant shift for further education, the Department for Education (DfE) has scrapped English and maths requirements for adult apprentices, allowing more learners to enter apprenticeships without these prior qualifications. Additionally, the minimum apprenticeship duration has been reduced from 12 to 8 months. 🔗 Read more: FE Week
How Manipulatives Can Support Mathematical Understanding
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has published a guide on how using manipulatives—such as physical objects in maths teaching—can help develop conceptual understanding in students. STEM educators may find this particularly useful for improving engagement in numeracy skills. 🔗 Read more: EEF
4. Technology and Education
The Role of AI in Academic Integrity
With AI becoming more prevalent in classrooms, there is growing concern among educators about its impact on academic integrity. A recent TES survey found that teachers are calling for clearer guidelines on detecting and managing AI-generated student work. 🔗 Read more: TES Magazine
Esports in Colleges – A Growing Trend?
Over 100 further education colleges in England now offer esports courses, yet critics argue that the UK job market for esports remains limited. Is this an innovative STEM-based learning opportunity, or a potential dead-end for students? 🔗 Read more: FE Week
5. Government and Policy
DfE Drops Plan to Scrap Faith School Admissions Cap
The government has abandoned its plan to remove the cap on faith-based free schools, which would have allowed these schools to select 100% of their students based on faith. While not directly STEM-related, the decision has implications for school choice and diversity in STEM-focused education. 🔗 Read more: Schools Week
Academy Trusts and Funding Concerns
A new investigation reveals that the 30 largest academy trusts have increased their spending on central administration by 50% per pupil since 2021. Some critics argue that this diverts funding away from frontline teaching. 🔗 Read more: Schools Week
Reflections: What This Means for STEM Teachers
As educators, the stories from this past week provide several points for reflection and discussion:
- SEND Support & Exclusions: How can STEM teachers better support students at risk of exclusion and ensure that those with undiagnosed needs receive the help they require?
- Mental Health Interventions: With evidence that some school mental health programs may be ineffective, what role can STEM subjects play in promoting resilience and problem-solving skills?
- AI and Academic Integrity: How should schools develop policies that allow for the ethical use of AI in student work while maintaining academic integrity?
- Esports and STEM Careers: Does esports in colleges provide a valid career pathway for students, or should institutions focus on more traditional STEM applications?
- Apprenticeship Reforms: With changes to apprenticeship rules, how can STEM educators ensure that students are well-prepared for vocational pathways in science, technology, and engineering fields?
As always, the landscape of education is shifting rapidly. Stay informed, stay reflective, and most importantly, keep inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers!
Want More?
For further reading, check out the original stories from each publication:
What are your thoughts on this week’s updates? Join the conversation in the comments! 🚀
Note: This blog post is an AI curated summary of news articles from various sources. The aim is to provide educators with a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the education sector. All hyperlinks direct readers to the original news articles for further reading.