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"Pressure comes from a lack of preparation." -Colin Kaepernick
We regularly hear about pressure within the school system that is sadly caused by tests, exams and Ofsted methods of assessment, placed upon our children and schools. Many teachers union have uncovered that there are unparalleled levels of school-related anxiety, stress and mental health disorders in children, some of which is exacerbated by pressure.
The pressure nowadays on children to achieve the grades and results, and upon the schools to do the same, has resulted in many issues.
However, since we strongly believe in the quote mentioned above, to avoid pressure and become less stressed, it's essential to prepare. So, without further delay, let's consider a few essential topics related to the school environment that help both students and teachers prepare for things ahead of them.
Social Class and Educational Attainment: How Closely Are They Correlated?
Unfortunately, even in 2023, we're still dealing with the negative consequences of inequality. Social class and educational attainment are still seen as closely related and there are many issues that exist in the private and public school systems that promote the needs of richer students with more privilege.
But, what exactly are the issues related to social class in the UK's education system? It's worth mentioning that the educational gap is prevalent among the youth in England, aged 16 to 24. This particular gap was more pronounced in England than in any other country surveyed; except for Slovakia. The impact of social background on literacy skills in this age group is twice as high in England as in the Netherlands.
This is not a new problem since it originates from the past and threatens the future, researchers from LLAKES stated that “the primary cause of adult skills inequality in England is the exceptionally unequal skills outcomes of the initial education system sustained over a long period, fuelled and supplemented by an especially strong influence from the social background.”
But, how can the issue of inequality in UK schools be reversed? There have been many reports published that try to improve inequality. However, the one deemed most probable for implementation highlighted the following solutions:
- Focusing on educational engagement by working-class youth, instead of focusing on academic achievement,
- Addressing working-class youth as a whole,
- Paying attention to other paths that include vocational careers and not just university education,
- Valuing the existing knowledge and experiences of young people from working-class backgrounds.
By knowing a bit more about these social issues, both students and teachers are more prepared to deal with any inequality problems and quickly nip them in the bud.
The Educational Benefits of Music
Music soothes our souls and is deemed necessary for most humans living on planet earth. Nevertheless, there are certain schools and exam boards that do not prioritise music education. To reinvigorate the desire to instruct music at a primary and secondary school level, take a look at the following list that mentions the educational advantages of music:
- Music Encourages Freedom of Expression: through music, there is creative expression. It is a welcome release for young people who are unable to articulate their thoughts and feelings through speech or writing. A sense of belonging and increased self-confidence when playing music together with their peers is honed.
- Music Improves Teamwork: music also promotes cooperation, responsibility, commitment, and mutual support. When instruments are played with others, it provides an outlet for relaxation and a channel for emotional expression. A sense of fulfilment is felt when mastering musical sounds with your bandmates during rehearsals since you develop an understanding of their unique playing ability.
- Music Promotes Unity: by learning distinct types of music from across the world, students gain an appreciation for the varied use of musical instruments. Throughout their learning experiences, musicians can feel part of a worldwide community and take part in a diverse range of local events. Music can be via the fantastic range of digital platforms with fellow musicians.
- Music Requires Flexibility: the best music education teaches students to be flexible. How's that? Well, if the principles of music are successfully taught, students won't be chained to a specific instrument all the time but rather to the rhythm. For example, it doesn't take an expensive guitar or piano to become a more musical person. Also, at public schools, students can share all sorts of musical instruments and take turns using them during the academic day or through a successful rotation program that loans instruments on evenings and weekends.
To effectively play music and learn it adequately, it's essential to pick the right genre for you, to practice every day, and to set goals that can easily be achieved.
A class or course as enjoyable as music is fundamental to reducing and alleviating stress and anxiety experienced by students in a school setting!
Sports Science: Where Does it Land You?
Are you struggling with finding GCSE courses that are best suited for you? If so, why not consider trying Sports Science? But, what is sports science? Defined as the academic discipline that determines how a healthy human body functions during exercise, sports science encompasses a few subjects and topics that are related to the sciences and to athletism.
A great course that is becoming more and more sought after, studying sports science is a great idea for the following reasons:
- Sports Science is a Layered Topic: not only covering athletic pursuits but sports science is also known for its extensive examination of the sciences. Nutrition and biology are necessary subjects of sports science and they open up the possibilities of finding work in sectors related to these ones.
- Everyone Wants to Be Healthy: since we all want to live happy and lengthy lives, there's a lot of importance spent on health and wellness. Individuals who have studied sports science know a lot about the human body and the tips and tricks that should be implemented to enjoy physical wellness.
But, where can recent graduates of sports science degrees find work in the UK? It's important to state that the following three sectors are the most common:
- Therapy or Physiotherapy,
- Teaching,
- Tutoring.
By knowing about the potential needs and jobs available in the future after studying a common GCSE such as Sports Science, students are better prepared to make educated decisions in their late teens.
Are Schools Right to Police Their Students’ Social Media Accounts?
One thing that adds to kids and teens feeling pressured at school is cyberbullying. So, what can be done to prevent the adverse effects of cyberbullying? Well, albeit controversial, many parents and teachers are convinced that surveying social media accounts will prevent cyberbullying and major mental health problems.
If you're still on the fence about whether the social networking accounts of underage teenage students should be policed, you'll be happy to know that we've provided lists of the pros and cons to help you make an educated decision.
Pros
Educators, mothers, and fathers have found the following advantages to monitoring the social media accounts of their children and students:
- Quickly identifies cyberbullying and nips it in the bud right away,
- Students are often ashamed to admit they are being bullied; therefore, by monitoring accounts, teachers can identify those who are being intimidated socially,
- Most parents don't know how to monitor their kids' social media accounts, so if educators get involved it's a win-win.
Cons
Now the list below features the potential problems of policing social media accounts in a school setting:
- The main responsibility for controlling social media use belongs to parents and not teachers at schools,
- Allowing schools to police students opens the floodgates to various legal conundrums,
- Schools should worry less about policing and more about prevention,
- The emphasis should be taken away from policing and placed on awareness. How's that? Well, parents and teachers should learn how to react when a child tells them they are being bullied.
The idea of policing social media platforms at schools is still a very debatable issue. The pros and cons mentioned above help parents and teachers decide what is best for their children and pupils.
Top Resources for Primary School Numeracy
Before we begin discussing the best resources for primary school numeracy, it's essential to define the term numeracy. In the simplest of terms, numeracy is known as the ability a person possesses to understand and work with numbers. The ever-important topic of numeracy is broken down into various subtopics such as the following:
- Using measurement,
- Interpreting statistical information,
- Using fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and rates.
There are a few resources that teachers and students should take full advantage of when learning numeracy. Such as? Look at the list below:
- KS1 Bitesize Mathematics,
- Wmnet,
- Maths Games,
- Education.com,
- School Radio - Maths,
- Starship,
- Dynamo Maths.
You'll greatly improve your numeracy abilities when you visit and try out the games from the previously mentioned sites.
In conclusion, we sincerely hope that our article has assisted you in preparing for school and alleviating some of the stress associated. Happy learning!
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