Recently in the UK the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan announced the approval of the first new grammar school in England in 50 years. It is a breakthrough decision, as under socialism grammar schools were banned.
The new grammar school in Sevenoaks, Kent is officially an annex of the Weald of Kent Grammar School for girls that is based in Tonbridge, Kent 10 miles (16km) away. The new all girls grammar school will offer a mixed sixth form.
Today, let’s talk about education in the UK. The framework is different to that of Continental Europe.
To begin with there is nursery school. This is for children aged 3-5. Primary school follows for children aged 5-11. This is split into two segments; Infants aged 5-7 followed by Juniors aged 7-11. Secondary school is for students aged 11-18. Students take their GCSEs when they are 16. Students aged 16-18 can take their A levels for the next two years in the school 6th form.
One of the UK’s most famous chefs, Jamie Oliver, has urged the British government to introduce cookery teaching into schools to help fight obesity. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Oliver, alongside leading health figures, call on him to introduce a minimum 24 hours of practical cooking lessons and food education for all pupils aged four to 14. The group laments that the “pride” of hosting the Olympic Games has been tainted by the shameful fact that Britain is officially “the fattest nation in Europe”.
Teaching children through the National Curriculum how to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and their families would be an important step in tackling the rising obesity epidemic, the letter argues. Without these skills, people are less likely to exercise control over their diet and food intake, and tend to rely on pre-prepared food or takeaway meals, the campaigners add.
Category: Jamie Oliver / Cookery / Schools
A British Headmaster in Cheshire recently sparked a ‘respect’ row by sending home pupils who failed to stand up when he entered the classroom – Britain’s Daily Mail recently reported. Kevin Harrison, 55, is the Headmaster (or in these politically correct times Headteacher) of the 900-pupil Macclesfield High School in Cheshire, northwest England.
Mr Harrison believes children should immediately rise when he comes into a room because it helps increase ‘pride and educational standards’. However, he has been accused by some parents of being heavy handed. The ‘standing rule’ in Macclesfield High was dropped two years ago. Earlier this year on becoming headteacher at the school he revived it.
