Mike Aylen
Web Manager
| 5th February MEDIA RELEASE Failing Schools
II t has been widely reported that the number of failing primary schools identified by OfSTED atthe end of 2006 is greater that the number of failing secondary schools. The OfSTED figures are 171 for primary and 72 for secondary. However publication of these figures without an accompanying perspective is seriously misleading.
T he total number of primary schools is nearly four times that of secondary schools. Any comparison of the two sectors should be made on the basis of the proportion of the schools deemed to be failing in relation to the total numbers in each sector. The proportion of failing primary schools was .7% while that for secondary schools was 1.1%.
This association deplores such comparison of the two sectors but if comparisons are made by the media then they should be made fairly.
Greater care should be taken in presenting information regarding failing schools. It is important that parents and teachers are given an accurate picture.
Less than 1% of all schools are considered to be failing and in need of special measures.
There were fewer failing schools in December 2006 than at the beginning of the year.
Despite the more stringent criteria adopted by OfSTED in September 2005 the clear trend shown by the figures is one of improvement in the work of schools.
John Coe Information Officer Tel/Fax: 01865 890281 Email: nape@onetel.com 17 January 2007 NAPE welcomes the £10m package to support music and singing in primary schools announced by the education secretary. There is absolutely no need to revive singing in the schools which make up the NAPE network. Every year we arrange festivals at which children, teachers and parents come together to make music. The most important of these are in Birmingham and London where Wembley has been the venue. With Wembley no longer available, this year’s festival will be at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. On the 23rd and 24th June more than forty school choirs will join together to make music. There are local NAPE festivals as well – every year for five evenings Dorchester Abbey is filled by primary children singing their hearts out. So well done Alan Johnson. Remember though that the government’s insistence on league tables based on the results of tests in basic skills has narrowed the children’s entitlement to the national curriculum and in too many schools music has been a casualty. NAPE has been promoting singing in spite of you but now we are delighted to have your support.
John Coe Information Officer Tel/Fax: 01865 890281 Email: nape@onetel.com
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