Spring Term 2005

1)       Conference 2005

Corus Hotel, Bristol – 19-21 October 2005.

Booking forms and details went out to all schools recently and the response has been very encouraging. This will be an important opportunity for us to get together and discuss issues that are currently affecting us all. We are delighted that colleagues from the Canadian middle school system have agreed to share their experience with us at the conference.

To receive details please contact Jackie Batten:   JBatten@educ.somerset.gov.uk

Please Note: cheques for the £50 deposit should be made payable to Somerset County Council

2)       Conference at Alnwick Castle

The NEAG group in Northumberland organised a very successful Conference on the 5th March 2005 at Alnwick Castle. Conference delegates heard from a variety of speakers about 21st century education issues and the possibilities for reforming Northumberland Education. John Kime (St Edwards CE Middle School, Leek and chairman of the Forum last year) represented the Forum and spoke about national data on middle school performance from Ofsted.

Follow this link for further information, papers and the opportunity to purchase a DVD of the conference for a modest £5.

http://www.neag.info/Conference2.htm

3)       Developments on the Isle of Wight

Parents on the Isle of Wight have formed a group to oppose the council's proposal to reorganise the provision on the island. I am sure they would appreciate any support members are able to give. To visit their website follow the link below.

http://www.yourschoolneedsyou.com/

4)       Does reorganisation led to improved results?

On the Isle of Wight, as in some other authorities, it has been asserted that reorganisation is necessary in order to improve results. When challenged to provide evidence the council provided a short list of authorities which they claimed showed that reorganisation led to improved standards.

I have attached to this newsletter a brief report compares the improvements in the results in these authorities and with the improvement in LEAs that have retained their middle school systems. As you would expect the comparison shows that there is little to choose between the two sets of authorities.

5)       Subscriptions

The steering committee has agreed that subscriptions will be collected through the area associations this year to simplify the administration of the system. Invoices have been sent out to treasurers of local associations. Payments should be made to Mr Simon Davies,

Treasurer, National Middle Schools' Forum, Midhurst Intermediate School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne, Midhurst,  West Sussex  GU29 9AG

Previous Newsletters

September 2010    July 2010    June 2010 no 2    June 2010    July 2009    February 2009    November 2008    September 2008    June 2008    January 2008    December 2007    June 2007    March 2007    December 2006    October 2006    July 2006    June 2006    May 2006    February 2006    January 2006    November 2005    Autumn 2005    Summer 2005    Spring Term 2005