|
|
|
Press and media > Homepage The Cambridge Primary Review is an independent, non-party political and fully transparent project that actively encourages debate about the future of primary education in England. The Cambridge Review has its own dedicated press operation that will be delighted to answer queries from the media and any requests for additional information, interviews or photography. *** Click here to see a selection of press coverage of the Cambridge Primary Review. *** Click here to see press releases made by the Cambridge Review. *** Members of the media with enquiries concerning the Cambridge Primary Review – including requests for comment and interviews from the principal participants – should in the first instance contact the Review’s Director of Communications, Richard Margrave: Other media contact points: About Cambridge University About Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Press and media > Press releases A full listing of press releases issued appears here.
Press and media > Press coverage *** Coverage of the Cambridge Primary Review's final report (released 16 October, 2009) *** The interim report series has created a large amount of media coverage, some of which can be found through the relevant links below. Click here for a list of the interim reports released to date. We stress that these reports are interim rather than final, and that they arise from some but not all of the Review’s various strands of evidence. *** *** General press coverage beyond the interim report releases *** May 2008 - Click here to see a selection of the media coverage from May's interim reports: • The ninth group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: Learning and teaching in primary schools: processes and contexts (published 16.05.08).
• The eighth group of interimreports published by the Primary Review: Primary teachers: training, development, leadership and workforce reform (published 18.04.08).
• The seventh group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: Governance, Funding, Reform and Quality Assurance: policy frameworks for English primary education (published 29.02.08). • The sixth group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: The Structure and Content of English Primary Education: international perspectives (published 08.02.08).
• The fifth group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: Aims, values and contexts for primary education: national and international research perspectives (published 18.01.08).
• The fourth group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: Children in primary schools: research on development, learning, diversity and educational needs (published 14.12.07).
• The third group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: Children's Lives and Voices: Research on children at home and school (published 23.11.07). • The second group of interim reports published by the Primary Review: How well are we doing? Research on standards, quality and assessment in English primary education (published 2.11.07).
• The first interim report published by the Primary Review: Community Soundings: report on the Primary Review regional witness sessions (published 12.10.07). • Put the fun back into first lessons, urge heads - The Observer, Anushka Asthana (7.10.07). *** October 2006 - Launch of the Primary Review - Click here to see a selection of the media coverage from the launch. *** Press and media > Final report coverage - October 2009
THE CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY REVIEW FINAL REPORT Children, their World, their Education Released 16 October 2009 'The most extensive study of the state of the primary education system since the 1960s has delivered its final report. And it does not pull any punches....' There has been considerable media interest in the Cambridge Primary Review final report. This page includes links to a small sample. January 9, 2010:
December 3, 2009:
November 9, 2009:
November 3, 2009: October 28, 2009:
October 24, 2009:
October 21, 2009:
October 20:
October 18, 2009:
October 17, 2009: October 16, 2009:
Press and media > Curriculum report media coverage
The Cambridge Primary Review published its two-part special report on the primary curriculum on 20 February 2009. The Cambridge Primary Review generated heavy media interest for its report on the primary curriculum, and this page includes links to some of these articles. February 20, 2009: BBC Radio 4 'Today' programme (listen again). February 20, 2009: Melody Moran, London head teacher, and Christina Coker OBE, Chief Executive of Youth Music, both members of the Cambridge Primary Review's Advisory Committee, were interviewed separately by BBC News 24. February 20, 2009: teachers.tv programme (listen again). 'Primary curriculum "is distorted"'. (This link is no longer available) February 20, 2009: Professor Robin Alexander in The Times Educational Supplement. 'What is primary education for?' February 20, 2009: BBC Online. 'Primary education "too narrow"'. February 20, 2009: The Economist. 'Competing visions: Academics and ministers differ on what is to be done'. February 20, 2009: Polly Curtis, The Guardian. 'Where now after damning indictment of education?' February 20, 2009: Polly Curtis, The Guardian. 'Tests blamed for blighting children's lives'. February 20, 2009: The Independent, Leading article. 'Our primary schools are short-changing their pupils'. February 20, 2009: Richard Garner, The Independent. 'Pupils have a right to a varied education'. February 20, 2009: Richard Garner, The Independent. 'Schoolchildren's lives "are being impoverished"'. February 20, 2009: Martin Beckford, The Telegraph. 'Generations of pupils let down by focus on tests'. "A generation of pupils has been left impoverished by a "fundamentally deficient" primary schools system that focuses only on tests and basic skills, according to the Cambridge Primary Review." February 20, 2009: Nicola Woolcock, The Times. 'Schools "failing to fire the imagination"'. February 20, 2009: Helen Ward, The Times Educational Supplement. 'Tomorrow's primaries: 2 reviews, 1 debate'. February 20, 2009: Helen Ward, The Times Educational Supplement. 'Primary Review calls for radical curriculum change'. February 20, 2009: The Straits Times. 'Tests "suffocating learning". February 21, 2009: The Guardian, editorial. 'That's the way it is'. February 21, 2009: Deborah Orr, The Independent. 'No excuses - only better schooling'. February 22, 2009: Minette Marrin, The Times. 'I'll spell it out: if children can't read, lives are ruined'. February 23, 2009: Libby Purves, The Times. 'Pupils will never learn unless we make it fun'. "Yes, children need literacy and numeracy, but they also need the space to socialise, run about, sing and engage with stories". February 23, 2009: University of Cambridge, Cambridge Network. 'Long term vision outlined for primary curriculum'. February 27, 2009: Helen Ward, The Times Educational Supplement. 'All domains are not equal'. March 3, 2009: Shirley Williams, The Guardian. 'The winnowing out of happiness' - "Fomer education secretary Shirley Williams says intense control from central government is hurting schools." March 4, 2009: Warwick Mansell, Education by Numbers: the tyranny of testing, blog: 'Time to move on, Conor'. March 5, 2009: Gillian Pugh, Nursery World. 'Children deserve a broader curriculum' - "Primary school education has come under scrutiny from two major reviews - but why do they reach such different conclusions? Dame Gillian Pugh explains the Cambridge outlook". (click here to visit the Nursery World website) March 20, 2009: Helen Ward, The Times Educational Supplement. 'National Strategies could face shake-up'. March 23, 2009: June Factor, The Age (theage.com.au). 'The riches of learning' - "Politely but firmly, a major report on primary schooling recently released in the UK challenges some educational policies and practices politically favoured in England. And, as it happens, in Australia." March 24, 2009: Zone (Music Education Zone magazine and website). 'Why Zone thinks the government response to the recently published Cambridge Primary Review just isn't good enough'. April 7, 2009: Article by Robin Alexander following the publication of the House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families' report on the primary curriculum.
RSA - 'Cambridge Primary Review puts DCSF on the defensive' NAHT (National Association for Head Teachers) - 'NAHT welcomes the Cambridge Primary Review Interim Report [on the primary curriculum]' NUT (National Union of Teachers) - Christine Blower, Acting General Secretary of the NUT, comments on the Cambridge Primary Review. "It is a matter of real concern that that the Government is keeping [the Cambridge Primary Review] at arms length. [Its] proposals for the primary curriculum have depth, credibility and, above all, respond to the realities of the primary classroom..." Press and media > Additional coverage The Cambridge Primary Review has generated media interest for more than its interim reports. This page includes links to some of these articles. October 9, 2009: Times Educational Supplement: 'Primary Sector braced for Alexander report', Helen Ward. June 2009: 'Primary reviews compared', The Education Journal No. 115 (2009-02). Diane Hofkins compares the findings of the Rose Review of the primary curriculum with those of the Cambridge Review and questions whether the Government will take notice of the latter’s more radical recommendations. March 3, 2009: Shirley Williams, The Guardian. 'The winnowing out of happiness' - "Fomer education secretary Shirley Williams says intense control from central government is hurting schools." February 23, 2009: Gideon Spanier, Evening Standard [this article updates the below entry]. 'Who's in and who's out' - "Our annual magazine chronicles London's power-brokers and agenda-setters. However, influence can shift quickly. Gideon Spanier looks at who's in and who's out." Said of Robin Alexander:
February 1, 2009: Gideon Spanier, Evening Standard. 'Influentials 2009' - "The Evening Standard charts the progress of those Influentials — the people who wield power and shape our thinking — in our annual magazine The 1000: The Most Influential People In London ... these are the people who will make an impact on London in the next 12 months." Said of Robin Alexander:
February 1, 2009: Amelia Hill, Caroline Davies and Gaby Hinsliff, Guardian. Are our children really in crisis, or the victims of parents' anxiety? - A major new report, out tomorrow, reveals that Britain's children are afraid of bullying, stressed by schoolwork and beset by concerns over relationships and abuse. But is 21st-century existence really that awful for our youngsters? Or is childhood being undermined by adult fears and aversion to risk? January 2, 2009: Mike Baker, BBC Online. 'Busy year coming up in education'. August 28, 2008: Dr Maroussia Raveaud, 'le point sur...' - Discussion of the Cambridge Review by a French academic: 'Premiers résultats controversés de l’état des lieux sur l’enseignement primaire. Une commission d’enquête farouchement indépendante...' August 5, 2008: 'Jim'll fix it' - Peter Wilby, Guardian. Profile of Sir Jim Rose and account of his Government-commissioned review of the primary curriculum, and of the relationship between this and the Cambridge Primary Review. (Earlier in the same Guardian Education series Peter Wilby published an article on Professor Robin Alexander and the Primary Review - 28.11.08, here). June 2008 - Education Journal article by Diane Hofkins. 'The quality of teachers', Education Journal 110: 13. March 23, 2008: 'The NUT has cried wolf too often, but this time it's right' - Jenni Russell, The Guardian. March 17, 2008: Several articles followed the joint conference between the Primary Review, Good Childhood Inquiry and General Teaching Council.
March 11, 2008: 'The anxiety epidemic: Why are children so unhappy?' - Richard Garner, Education Editor, The Independent . February 2008 - Education Journal article by Diane Hofkins. 'Foundation Stage principles could be extended through the infant years', Education Journal 108: 13. November 2, 2007 - Times Educational Supplement - piece by Robin Alexander to mark the release of the second group of interim reports: 'Testing times for primary assessment'. November 2007 - Education Journal article by Diane Hofkins. 'Primary review', Education Journal 106: 7. March 2007 - Where there is no vision... Contribution by Robin Alexander to the special Plowden 40th anniversary issue of Forum. February 2007:
January 2007 - Primary Source - ATL journal 'Report': article about the Review and profile of Robin Alexander, by Nick Blackmore. December 2006 - 'The Primary Review: what it is, why it is needed and why NUT members should contribute' - NUT journal The Teacher, article by Robin Alexander. November 28, 2006 -Guardian Education - article by Peter Wilby. Interview with Professor Robin Alexander, and background to the Review. The digital version, however, misses out a section of text; click here for the complete document (PDF). October 17, 2006 - Guardian Education - article by Advisory Committee member, Diane Hofkins: October 13, 2006 - Times Educational Supplement - Platform article by Robin Alexander: 'Alternative vision for primary children?' October 2006 - Media coverage from the launch of the Primary Review
Press and media > Interim report coverage - May 2008 The ninth group of interim reports was on the theme of Learning and teaching in primary schools: processes and contexts, and was published May 16, 2008. This group consisted of: • Research Survey 2/4 - Learning and teaching in primary schools: insights from TLRP, Mary James and Andrew Pollard. • Research Survey 6/1 - Primary schools: the built environment, Karl Wall, Julie Dockrell and Nick Peacey. • Research Survey 9/2 - Classes, groups and transitions: structures for teaching and learning, Peter Blatchford, Susan Hallam, Judith Ireson and Peter Kutnick, with Andrea Creech. A selection of press coverage of this ninth release of interim reports (16.05.08): • The Independent: 'Setting harms education of some young children' - Sarah Cassidy. • The Telegraph: 'Teachers "undermined by classes of over 25"' - Graeme Paton. • The Times: 'Sets in primary classes can blight a child's school life' - Nicola Woolcock. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Where pupils are brighter, naturally' - Adi Bloom. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Teachers' technique can ease burden of spelling and fractions' - Adi Bloom. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Switch on to the power of Babel in the classroom' - Helen Ward. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Streaming and setting do not affect results' - Helen Ward. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Classroom modernisation gives pupils a new outlook on learning' - Helen Ward. • Times Educational Supplement: 'A week in education' - William Stewart. • Press Association: 'Learning "suffers in humid, noisy classrooms"' - Tim Ross. • Press Association: 'Call to cut class sizes to improve reading skills' - Tim Ross. • BBC News: 'No "clear advantage to setting"' • Ananova.com: 'Smaller classes could boost reading' • New Zealand Herald: 'School streaming "hurts" less-academic students' • Children Now: 'Analysis: Schools - A fresh vision for primary education' • admin.cam.ac.uk: 'Setting children by ability could harm their education'
Press and media > Interim report coverage - April 2008 The eighth group of interim reports was on the theme of Primary teachers: training, development, leadership and workforce reform, and was published April 18, 2008. This group consisted of: • Research Survey 6/2 - Primary schools: the professional environment, Liz Jones, Andy Pickard and Ian Stronach. • Research Survey 6/3 - Primary teachers: initial teacher education, continuing professional development and school leadership development, Olwen McNamara, Rosemary Webb and Mark Brundrett. • Research Survey 6/4 - Primary workforce management and reform, Hilary Burgess. A selection of press coverage of this eighth release of interim reports (18.04.08): • The Independent: '"Moral panic" and "policy hysteria" harming primary schools, report says' - Sarah Cassidy. • The Independent: 'Fads, and a sense of failure' • Times Educational Supplement: 'A marking revolution' - Warwick Mansell. • Times Educational Supplement: 'Strategy without style' • Press Association: 'Special needs pupils "need more time with teachers"' - Tim Ross. • Press Association: 'Researchers lament impersonal primary education' - Tim Ross. • Guardian: 'Government policy has created "impersonalised education"' - Anthea Lipsett. • Daily Mail: 'Over a third of bosses say staff lack the three Rs' • Literacy Trust: 'New reports from the Primary Review' • NUT: press release on primary workforce reform • Yorkshire Post: 'Children "reduced to status of targets"' Press and media > Interim report coverage - February 2008 The seventh group of interim reports was on the theme of Governance, Funding, Reform and Quality Assurance: policy frameworks for English primary education, and was published February 29, 2008. This group consisted of: • Research Survey 3/2 - The Trajectory and Impact of National Reform: curriculum and assessment in English primary schools, Dominic Wyse, Elaine McCreery and Harry Torrance. • Research Survey 4/3 - Quality Assurance in English Primary Education, Peter Cunningham and Philip Raymont. • Research Survey 10/1 - The Funding of English Primary Education, Philip Noden and Anne West. • Research Survey 10/2 - The Governance and Administration of English Primary Education, Maria Balarin and Hugh Lauder. A selection of press coverage of this seventh release of interim reports (29.02.08):
• The Times Educational Supplement - 'Historic funding gap persists' - Helen Ward. ***
The sixth group of interim reports was on the theme of The Structure and Content of English Primary Education: international perspectives, and was published February 8, 2008. This group consisted of: A selection of press coverage of this sixth release of interim reports (08.02.08): • BBC News - 'Call to raise school starting age'. *** Press and media > Interim report coverage - January 2008 The fifth group of interim reports was on the theme of Aims, values and contexts for primary education: national and international research perspectives, and was published January 18, 2008. This group consisted of: • Research Survey 1/1 - Aims and values in English primary education, John White. • Research Survey 1/2 - Aims and values in primary education: England and other countries, Maha Shuayb and Sharon O’Donnell. • Research Survey 1/3 - The changing national context of primary education, Stephen Machin and Sandra McNally. • Research Survey 1/4 - The changing global context of primary education, John Lowe and Rita Chawla-Duggan. A selection of press coverage of this fifth release of interim reports (18.01.08): • The Telegraph - 'Failure to teach three Rs "damaging economy"' - Graeme Paton, Education Editor. • The Telegraph - 'Selection by lottery could be just the ticket'. • BBC News website - 'Call for ban on catchment areas' - "School catchment areas should be banned to stop richer parents buying their way into good schools through the housing market, researchers have said." • The Times - 'Middle class "monopolise" the best schools' - "A report is calling for the best-rated primary schools to hold lotteries for places to prevent eager parents from manipulating the system." • The Guardian - 'Scrapping admissions system would "reduce inequality"' - Anthea Lipsett. • Evening Standard website - "Catchment areas should be abolished in an attempt to stop middle class parents buying their way into the most popular schools, a major report has said." • NUT website - 'Review calls for admissions reform'. Press and media > Interim report coverage - December 2007
The fourth group of interim reports was on the theme of Children in primary schools: research on development, learning, diversity and educational needs, and was published December 14, 2007. This group consisted of: A selection of press coverage of this fourth release of interim reports (14.12.07): • BBC News website - 'Talk more in class, experts say' - "Children should be allowed to talk more in class, education experts have argued, despite the traditional view that chatter can be disruptive." • Times Educational Supplement - 'Tests drive harms links with parents' - Helen Ward and Adi Bloom. • Times Educational Supplement - 'Pretend play helps children learn' - Helen Ward. • Times Educational Supplement - 'Let's hear it for the chattering classes' - Adi Bloom. • The Telegraph - 'Studies fault competition in primary schools' - Graeme Paton, Education Editor. • Independent - 'The key to your child doing well at school? Conversation in the home' - Richard Garner, Education Editor. • Guardian - 'Help for special needs children "matter of class, race and gender"' - Polly Curtis, education editor. • Guardian - 'Study calls for more play and talk' - Press Association. • thisislondon.co.uk - "Sending children with severe special needs to ordinary schools condems many to a poor education and disrupts lessons..." • ATL website - 'Special needs concerns raised'. • ananova.com - 'Study calls for more play and talk'.
Press and media > Interim report coverage - November 2007 The third group of interim reports was on the theme of Children's lives and voices: research on children at home and school, and was published November 23, 2007. This group consisted of: • Research Survey 5/3 - Children and their Primary Schools: pupils' voices, Carol Robinson and Michael Fielding. • Research Survey 7/1 - Parenting, Caring and Educating, Yolande Muschamp, Felicity Wikeley, Tess Ridge and Maria Balarin. • Research Survey 8/1 - Children's Lives Outside School and their Educational Impact, Berry Mayall. • Research Survey 8/2 - Primary Schools and Other Agencies, Ian Barron, Rachel Holmes, Maggie MacLure and Katherine Runswick-Cole. Press and media > Interim report coverage - October 2007 Below is a list of some of the press coverage for the Cambridge Review's interim reports released in October. 1. Community Soundings: report on the Primary Review regional witness sessions (released 12.10.07) 13.10.07 14.10.07 15.10.07 16.10.07
Press and media > Launch coverage - October 2006 The launch of the Cambridge Primary Review generated a large amount of interest. Below is a selection of the coverage.
13.10.06 - Launch
Print media: • Education Guardian - '...an independent inquiry into primary education in England is launched today. The two-year review based at Cambridge University and financed by a £350,000 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Trust hopes to shape the future of schooling for young children for a generation, assessing the impact of political initiatives such as the national curriculum and reading and literacy drives.'
•NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) - '...The most comprehensive such enquiry since the Plowden Report of 1967...'
14.10.2006
*** Correction: In some newspapers the figure given at the launch for Esmée Fairbairn's grant for the Review was incorrect. The correct figure to date is £450,000. |
  |
|