I read an interesting article written by an English tutor and published in the Telegraph this week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/7817602/English-Examinations-Have-they-got-easier.html
The article discusses the changes in the English syllabus and raises a number of issues about what our children are being taught. What I find the most worrying is the distinction in texts between the privately-educated and comprehensive pupils. As a tutor, I believe it is vital that pupils are exposed to as wide a range of texts as possible. One risk of categorisation is that pupils' knowledge is confined to narrow bands and as a result, pupils do not obtain a breadth of understanding of literature.
I believe that all pupils need to read Shakespeare and Dickens at some point during their school career but also that modern literature is not abandoned either. Examinations need to allow schools and individual teachers choice in what the pupils study but all teachers must be aware of the risk of teaching "categories" in a way which is detrimental to pupils because their opinion of literature is based on a narrow band.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Monday, 7 June 2010
The End of Exams...
Congratulations to all Scottish pupils who have just done their exams. The final exams are this week. Well done to you all! For those pupils in England who are still busy studying - stick on in there! The end is nearly in sight, especialy with all this good weather we have had - let's hope it stays for the summer.
Another safety story...
I was dismayed to read of the case of Ugochukwu Okorie in last week's telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7798344/Parents-warned-to-check-private-tutors-credentials-after-teachers-child-sex-convictions.html
This story serves as a further justification for regulation of the private tuition industry. It is unacceptable that tutors such as Okorie are able to gain access to children. The advice of DC John Knox, quoted in the report should be heeded by all parents. However, we must remember that the Disclosure scheme is not a guarantee of suitability and parents must be vigilant at all times to protect their children.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7798344/Parents-warned-to-check-private-tutors-credentials-after-teachers-child-sex-convictions.html
This story serves as a further justification for regulation of the private tuition industry. It is unacceptable that tutors such as Okorie are able to gain access to children. The advice of DC John Knox, quoted in the report should be heeded by all parents. However, we must remember that the Disclosure scheme is not a guarantee of suitability and parents must be vigilant at all times to protect their children.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Aberdeen tutor cleared of charges
I've been following the story of Stewart MacKenzie with interest. Not only does the story affect me on the account of the fact it relates to tutoring, MacKenzie lives in Aberdeen, my hometown. Details of the case can be found here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/scotland/north_east_orkney_and_shetland/10208299.stm
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1763736
The story raises a number of issues within the tutoring industry. The first is that any allegations made against tutors are worrying - whether they are proved to be correct or false. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our pupils. I do not comprehend how touching a pupil on the leg could be deemed necessary in any circumstances, let alone in order to give encouragement. Physical contact is not required for tutoring maths and touching pupils in such a way will inevitably leave tutors open to allegations from pupils.
The second concern is that stories like this impact us all as a tutor and damage the reputation of the industry. Of course, it is right that complaints to the police should be made where there are any allegations of criminal practice and these must be fully investigated by the police. When stories like these hit the media, they ought to serve as a wake-up call to the media. Who am I allowing into my home to tutor my child? Do I feel comfortable leaving my child with this tutor? What do I know about his/her background? It is questions like these which should be in the minds of all parents looking for a tutor.
I am in no doubt that there are a great number of people tutoring who should not be in a position to do so. Again, we must ask ourselves why do we fail to implement a compulsary vetting or registration scheme for tutors? Tutors' Alliance continues to believe that only the implementation of such a system will be the first step in making the tuition industry safer for pupils and for tutors.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1763736
The story raises a number of issues within the tutoring industry. The first is that any allegations made against tutors are worrying - whether they are proved to be correct or false. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our pupils. I do not comprehend how touching a pupil on the leg could be deemed necessary in any circumstances, let alone in order to give encouragement. Physical contact is not required for tutoring maths and touching pupils in such a way will inevitably leave tutors open to allegations from pupils.
The second concern is that stories like this impact us all as a tutor and damage the reputation of the industry. Of course, it is right that complaints to the police should be made where there are any allegations of criminal practice and these must be fully investigated by the police. When stories like these hit the media, they ought to serve as a wake-up call to the media. Who am I allowing into my home to tutor my child? Do I feel comfortable leaving my child with this tutor? What do I know about his/her background? It is questions like these which should be in the minds of all parents looking for a tutor.
I am in no doubt that there are a great number of people tutoring who should not be in a position to do so. Again, we must ask ourselves why do we fail to implement a compulsary vetting or registration scheme for tutors? Tutors' Alliance continues to believe that only the implementation of such a system will be the first step in making the tuition industry safer for pupils and for tutors.
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