Government ministers of all political hues just can't resist it - fiddling about with schools, colleges and education!
They can't even leave the name of the government department: Education, Education & Science, of Education, Children, Schools and Families, for Education . . . please let us know when you've quite finished!
I'm of the O-Level, CSE, A-Level era . . . I recall different initiatives, too many really, well, far too many actually!
Is the Baccalaureate old hat now? Should that be old mortar board?
Are universities too influential or not influential enough? Do Ministers think 'What shall I change today', not 'What long-term improvements can I begin'? So much change, churn, that people, teachers, parents, children, governors are blasé/inured to it.
I think the most enshrined change was Ken Baker's in-service training days which are irreverently referred to in-profession as "B-Days"!
I've just woke up to another new idea on Radio 4's Today programme. I won't bother you with which one.
Random reaction: if the government applied its thinking on health and putting GPs in charge of the NHS, who would lead in the world of education? It won't happen, don't worry!
Here's the winning formula in my experience: maximum resources from central government; minimum interference; some light touch, short-notice inspection regime with open, transparent methods and reporting; some local democratic dynamic; great management and leadership by heads; light-touch local governance ensuring checks and balances and imaginative/creative inputs, not micro management; the best possible buildings; and last, but the most important - brilliant, inspiring teaching! Get it?
But what we get is a battle-hardened, change-resistant teaching fraternity, confused parents and governors, kicked-around learners. I've not even mentioned skills for life, skills for families, skills for work, skills for the future!
Can you imagine Sir Humphrey Appleby, GCB, KBE, MVO, MA (Oxon) advocating 'Carry on & keep calm with no change, Minister'?
Why can't 'they' resist change, gratuitous change? Lets have some informed, discussed, agreed, well implemented calm, consistent quality education.
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