A-level & GCSE results Workload Pride celebrations Hungry in the holidays Michael Rosen Supply teachers’ news Global education privatisation What’s in your lunchbox? Crossword Yoga The harm in ‘manning up’ THE TEACHER September/October 2018

Green, green grass of home Life in a rural school

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A-level & GCSE results Workload Pride celebrations Hungry in the holidays Michael Rosen Supply teachers’ news I HOPE you had a good summer and that reading about the Global education privatisation What’s in your lunchbox? Crossword Yoga The harm in ‘manning up’ THE TEACHER challenges teachers are facing doesn’t bring you down to earth with September/October 2018 too much of a bump. Firstly, excessive workload is stifling our schools. The Government has recently launched a workload toolkit, in an attempt to reduce the hours you spend marking, collecting data and planning lessons. The Union supports the initiative. We know it won’t solve the problem – it’s the high stakes accountability system that’s the root

Green, green grass cause. But it’s a real opportunity to reduce some of the unnecessary of home Life in a rural school tasks weighing so heavily on teachers.

Your magazine from the National Education Union: NUT section 1 We’d ask you to look at what the Union says on reducing President: Kiri Tunks workload, take advantage of Government advice and press your head teacher on how you can tackle it in your school. Joint General Secretary: Hard-working teachers deserve a pay award that reflects their efforts. Over the summer, the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) Editor: Helen Watson recommended the Government raise all teachers’ pay by 3.5 per cent. Journalists: While it was not the five per cent we asked for, the award Emily Jenkins, Max Watson did break with Government pay policy. But, astonishingly, the Administration: Maryam Hulme Government has decided not to act on the advice of the expert body Newsdesk set up to determine teachers’ pay and implement an across-the- t: 020 7380 4708 board increase. Over 60 per cent of teachers and senior staff are e: [email protected] getting below-inflation increases of 1.5 or two per cent. Design & subbing: Amanda Ellis To add insult to injury, the pay award is not fully funded. Schools neu.org.uk are still expected to stump up one per cent to fund it – but that’s another one per cent that they just haven’t got. facebook.com/ Cuts to school budgets are forcing impossible choices – subjects nationaleducationunion not being taught, teaching assistants not being replaced when they leave, class sizes growing. twitter.com/NEUnion The summer has recharged all To advertise contact: our batteries and the Union will Jonathan Knight, Century carry on working to get the One Publishing, Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, funding our schools so St Albans AL3 4DG desperately need. t: 01727 739 193 Kevin Courtney, e: jonathan@centuryone publishing.uk National Education

Except where the NEU has formally negotiated Union, Joint agreements with companies as part of its services to members, inclusion of an advertisement in the Teacher General Secretary does not imply any form of recommendation. While every effort is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, the NEU cannot accept any liability for the quality of goods or services offered. The Teacher is printed by Wyndeham Southernprint Ltd. Inside pages are printed on paper comprised of 100% recycled, post-consumer waste.

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Teacher Mag August.indd 1 16/08/2018 09:38:50 The rest is history 29-30 September, 1941 Contents The Nazis killed 33,771 Jews in the Babi Yar massacre. The atrocity, in a ravine near Kiev, was the largest single massacre of the Holocaust. The Nazis used the site in their military campaign against the Soviet Union – between 100,000 and 150,000 Jews, Soviet prisoners of war, Ukrainian nationalists, Roma, socialists and LGBT+ people were killed there during the German occupation.

Features Regulars 06 News 19 Union people 23 Michael Rosen 31 Warwick Mansell & Polly Donnison 33 A class act 34 Ask the Union & training diary 38 Web, app & book reviews 40 Letters & teacher’s pet 45 Noticeboard 47 Staffroom confidential & yoga 49 Crossword & recipe

“We had a great response, discussing the Gender Recognition 08 Pay up! 21 Hungry over the holidays Act, school cuts As the Government neglects to fully Families struggled to cope without and the LGBT+ fund the teachers’ pay award, a Union food over the summer because of events planned.” survey reveals the members struggling the on-going effects of austerity. page 11 without a real wage rise. 24 Life at a rural school We travel to Hampshire to discover 11 Love and Pride the joys and challenges of teaching Members take to the streets for Pride at a village school (left). celebrations in towns and cities up and 30 Supply teachers’ news down the country (above). What are your rights when working as a supply teacher employed through an agency?

36 Keep profit out of global education We expose the private companies providing poor quality, inaccessible education that most families can’t afford (far left).

50 Backbeat Michael Conroy on the dangers of telling boys to ‘man up’.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 5 News DfE toolkit to tackle workload Disabled teachers SUCCESSIVE surveys of teachers and support staff have shown that workload is “Unless the DISABLED Teachers’ Conference takes the biggest issue facing National Education funding crisis place on 20-21 October at the Oxford Union (NEU) members. Belfrey Hotel in Oxfordshire. Education unions regularly meet with is addressed, This will be the first residential Government ministers to discuss ways conference for disabled members and of alleviating workload and improving the problem of its theme is This is What a Disabled recruitment and retention. workload will not Teacher Looks Like. Now the Department for Education It aims to celebrate the diversity (DfE) and have launched a workload fully be solved” of our disabled members and organise toolkit to support education professionals, against the discrimination they face. which outlines planning, marking and data numbers of staff, and reforms the Writer and comedian Francesca tasks which are not required. assessment and accountability regimes, Martinez is keynote speaker. The NEU reps are being urged to use this which drive workload, the problem will not weekend will cover a range of topics, guidance to discuss with their head teacher fully be solved.” from autism to workshops for deaf and ways to reduce workload in their school. deafened teachers. How can you tackle workload? For more information and to apply, Not a silver bullet, but a start The Union is urging its members to: visit teachers.org.uk/equality/ “The DfE toolkit is not a silver bullet, but n meet as a group and talk about causes of dtc/application we do believe it gives NEU members excessive and unnecessary workload; opportunities to open a professional n become familiar with DfE/Ofsted 12 MATs in bottom 20 discussion about which activities take up guidance on what tasks are not required THERE is no difference between the time but do not contribute to teaching and and management should not ask for; n performance of multi-academy trusts learning,” said Amy Hunt, NEU workload arrange to discuss with school leaders (MATs) and groups of local authority campaign manager. activities which can be eliminated. (LA) schools, says the Education Policy “Unless the Government acts to Later on this term the Union will launch Institute. And it recommends that LAs address the funding crisis, which prevents a workload campaign called Time For should be allowed to take schools back schools from employing sufficient Teaching. Visit neu.org.uk/workload from failing trusts. The institute compared school performance and pupil improvement Fiddling with funding formula as cuts bite at every trust and local authority in England at key stages 2 and 4. THE Government needs to stop fiddling It found that academy chains with the schools funding formula and are “disproportionately represented” make sure children’s education is properly among the worst performing groups of supported, according to the NEU. primary schools, with 12 making it into In a letter to Parliament in July, School the bottom 20. Just one MAT featured Standards minister Nick Gibb said school in the top 10. funding was at a record high and schools had benefitted from the introduction of the national funding formula in April. High cost of academies “Core schools funding will rise from THE drive to convert schools to almost £41 billion last year, to £42.4bn this academies is undermining local year and £43.5bn in 2019-20. This means authorities’ (LA) ability to fulfil their that real terms per-pupil funding in 2020 statutory duty to provide places will be more than 50 per cent higher than it for pupils and to properly support was in 2000,” he wrote. SEND funding was limiting the ability of maintained schools. But , Joint General local authorities to meet their statutory A report by the Public Accounts Secretary of the Union, said: “It doesn’t duties for children with special educational Committee (PAC) says that as a well matter how many tweaks you make to needs and disabilities. n as a lack of “rigorous” scrutiny, the DfE the national funding formula, if there isn’t View the latest School Cuts video at has failed to prevent a succession of enough funding to go around, cracks will facebook.com/schoolcutsuk/ n high-profile academy failures. begin to appear. And that’s exactly what’s School Cuts has also launched a petition The cost of the conversion happening in our schools.” asking Education Secretary programme – estimated by the National She said schools were being asked for more funding for SEND. Sign and share Audit Office to be £745 million since to do a lot more with a lot less, leading at bit.ly/SENDcrisis n 2010-11 – means reduced funding for to cuts in teaching staff, increased In the autumn term, School Cuts will LA schools, said PAC chair Meg Hillier. class sizes and a narrowing of the release updated figures for budget cuts in curriculum. And a lack of adequate 2018-19. Visit schoolcuts.org.uk

6 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Forty councillors from all political parties and independents attended a briefing in July on the school funding crisis in . Councillors discussed resolutions to pass in the chamber, how to lobby local MPs and organising anti-cuts events. Photo by Kois Miah Extreme anxiety and pressure to succeed: new GCSEs and A levels take their toll

CHANGES to this year’s GCSEs and cases of students exhibiting extreme anxiety, Secretary for policy, said: “Not allowing A levels have damaged students’ mental struggling to cope with the demands schools to sufficiently prepare has put staff health, according to a snap poll by the of multiple practical courses. Many are and students under tremendous pressure. National Education Union (NEU). struggling with course content and the “The Government needs to learn The survey, to which over 650 volume and depth of study required.” from this and make sure that teachers and secondary school teachers responded, Another said: “There’s a huge students are given the support they need.” found 89 per cent believe that changes in increase in pressure to succeed, increase the way GCSEs are assessed have made in workload and revision and a feeling of Fewer grade 9s than previous A*s students anxious and stressed, while two- inferiority due to more difficult content. It’s Commenting on the GCSE results, NEU thirds said the same about A levels. a constant feeling of failure.” Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney Another said that two of their students said: “This year it has been impossible for Both GCSEs and A levels more difficult had attempted suicide. teachers to predict their students’ results In many of the new GCSE subjects, because of a lack of certainty in the new 9-1 students are being assessed solely via Stress for staff as well as pupils grade boundaries. formal written exams, with no re-sit The changes to both exams also increased “By design, success is being rationed opportunities and no coursework or teachers’ workload, according to 87 per and fewer people have received the top controlled assessment. cent teaching GCSEs and 81 per cent grade of a 9 than used to receive an A*. Ninety-one per cent think that the new A-levels. “We are already hearing that students exams are much harder, demotivating and One said: “The lack of understanding who were hoping for the highest grade turning schools into ‘exam factories’. about the new GCSE syllabus and having have been disappointed to receive an 8, as The changes to A levels were intended to guess the grade boundaries has led to they no longer see themselves as one of to revise the content without increasing the more workplace pressure and stress for the highest attainers. As well as impacting level of difficulty. However, 83 per cent of staff and pupils. Too much content, more students individually, this could lead to a teachers say the courses are more difficult. planning and marking.” substantial increase in requests for papers One teacher commented: “I have more Nansi Ellis, NEU Assistant General to be re-marked.”

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 7 Pay Living costs and low pay drive many London teachers to the brink

TEACHERS in London have described how the pressures of low pay and high cost of living in the capital are leading many to consider moving away or even giving up the profession. A survey of more than 1,300 teachers by the London region of the Union uncovered a startling level of hardship and financial stress. The study, carried out in May and June, highlighted the toll on teachers of spiralling costs of rent, travel, childcare and household bills, exacerbated by long working hours.

‘£21 to last me six days’ One teacher in Newham, aged between 30 and 34, who is paying 65 per cent of their salary on rent, said: “I live hand to Where are heads supposed to find an extra £250m? mouth each month. I have no savings and currently have £21 in my bank account THE National Education Union (NEU) but head teachers are expected to find to last me six days.” is urging the Government to fully one per cent from their existing budgets Another, from Enfield, aged 50-plus fund the teachers’ pay rise – and to – an estimated £250 million. and on the M4 pay scale, implement the 3.5 per cent increase said: “I work 11 hours across the board. Impact of teacher shortages per day and at The Union describes Education Welcoming the main scale least ten over the Secretary Damian Hinds’ decision 3.5 per cent rise, NEU Joint The average weekend. On an to give smaller increases to higher General Secretary Mary Bousted spent on hourly basis, I’m graded teachers as “divisive” and says said: “This has been achieved paid lower than it ignores the recommendations of the because the DfE has been housing costs the living wage.” independent School Teachers’ Review forced to recognise the strength is £950 per A Hackney Body (STRB) to pay all teachers the same of our evidence that growing teacher, aged percentage rise. teacher shortages are harming month 30-34, on the M2 education standards. scale, pays 75 per Divisive approach to awarding pay “Our successful campaign on cent of their net salary Mr Hinds announced in July, after many school cuts has forced the DfE on rent: “I got disciplined schools had broken up, that teachers to find funding for this pay award – at work for having holes in my shoes but on the main pay range would receive an but schools and parents will be dismayed couldn’t afford to replace them.” increase of 3.5 per cent this September, that schools will have to find more while upper range teachers will get two than £250 million from their already per cent and leaders 1.5 per cent. stretched budgets.” The decision has also been criticised She said the NEU would continue “My mother has Alzheimer’s and I may by the Association of School and College to campaign for an across-the-board soon be asked to pay top-up fees for Leaders (ASCL) and the National increase and improved funding for her home when the proceeds from the Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). all schools. sale of her flat has gone. I only pay the The unions are calling on the The three unions had called for a interest on my mortgage and therefore Government to fund the whole increase five per cent pay rise and will continue to will have to give up my house on with extra cash from the Treasury. press for an improved deal. retirement and downsize to a flat. I am Currently, the Department for Education Visit neu.org.uk/pay for the latest afraid of poverty in my old age.” Works in (DfE) is giving some money to schools, on the pay campaign. Enfield, aged 50-plus, U3 scale

of head teachers said said this would said they didn’t think they would implement result in financial the pay rise would 90% the differentiated pay 89% difficulties for their 83.5% help them recruit & rise. HOWEVER… schools, AND… retain teachers.

8 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Living costs and low pay drive many London teachers to the brink

‘Not worth teaching in London’ NEU recommended pay scales for 2017-18 One member of a similar age, who 21% of works on the M2 scale in Haringey £26,662 (outer London) under-30s and pays £900 a month rent, said simply: “It’s not worth teaching in M1 to £28,660 (inner London) still live with their London, I’m off.” parents, as well as London NUT section regional secretary Martin £37,645 (outer London) 10% of those Powell-Davies said responses M6 to £39,006 (inner London) reinforced a warning made by aged 30-39 the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) in 2017 that failing to act on £39,519 (outer London) teachers’ pay – and the corresponding U1 to £43,616 (inner London) threats to teacher recruitment and retention – “presents a substantial risk to the functioning of an effective education system”. £42,498 (outer London) “If these risks are a national concern, then they are even U3 to £47,298 (inner London) greater in London and place the capital’s undoubted educational success in real danger,” he told the Teacher. M = main pay range U = upper pay range And he said the pressures on members expressed in the responses were not just a concern for teachers but for parents, school leaders, employers and politicians as well. Some schools,” Martin said. “Urgent action 28% of teachers plan to quit is needed to fund schools to teachers are The survey found London teachers spend an average of 40 per improve teachers’ pay so it opting out of cent of their income on housing costs, and revealed an average matches London’s living costs annual teacher turnover of 25 per cent. and stops further job losses.” their pension Fifty-eight per cent of respondents The Union is also pushing for schemes to said they would not be teaching in workload charters to be agreed the capital in five years’ time and that ensure Department for save money 28 per cent said they would not be London’s Education (DfE) workload teaching at all. teachers have promises become real reductions in teachers’ A cocktail of cuts, pay, costs less than 20% of working hours. and workload their salary left “A dangerous combination of n The NEU: NUT section Greater London Pay Survey funding cuts, increasing workload as ‘disposable gathered responses from 1,337 classroom teachers across the and deteriorating real pay levels are income’ full range of age, experience and salary levels, and home and driving teachers away from London’s work locations. To read the results in full, go to neu.org.uk/pay

“I’ve been living at my mum’s for six “As a single parent in the private rental as milk and bread.” Works in Greenwich, aged years, saving for a deposit to buy a flat.” market I am struggling to meet my basic 25-29, M2 scale Works in Haringey, aged 40-44, M6 scale expenses and rely on help from family members. I haven’t had a pay rise in five “I have recently had a baby and am “Home is at the bottom end of the rental years. I am planning to withdraw from not sure if I can afford to return to market. It suffers from horrendous mould the teacher pension scheme just to get teaching because childcare in my area is Works and damp in the winter which has made by.” Works in Westminster, aged 35-39, U1 scale £77 per day.” me ill and miss days of school as a result.” in Redbridge, Works in Southwark, aged 25-29, M3 scale, pays “I am constantly going into my overdraft aged 40-44, Around £1,000 a month rent in Croydon and using my credit cards for things such U3 scale a third of respondents lose income to student of head teachers said say they know loan repayments they have budgeted how they will – £150 a month 74.7% for the 1% pay increase. 32.3% manage to HOWEVER, only… do so. on average

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 9

THIS year, more local divisions of the NEU than ever celebrated Pride at festivals around the country. I attended three over the summer, each one with a fantastic NEU presence. The first was London (pictured) and, wow, has it changed! The NEU’s London divisions sure know how to do a parade. Being part of the open-top bus that weaved through the streets was amazing. The second was Brighton Trans Pride. The city opened its streets and beachfront for a parade of around 5,000 transgender people and allies waving the blue, white and pink flags of inclusivity. There were calls for equal rights following an intense year of media focus on the trans and the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) reform consultation currently taking place. Pride number three was in my home town, where Nottingham City NUT and ATL sections ran a stall alongside East Midlands Save Our Schools. This was a perfect opportunity to get the message across to the public about how severely Nottingham schools are having their budgets cut. We had a really great response, discussing the GRA consultation, school cuts and the LGBT+ events planned in the city over the coming year. Nick Lucas, Nottingham City NEU equality officer Squeezing the love out of learning

CHILDREN crying, having nightmares SEND children suffer most and being so stressed they needed “My class has Teachers reported that some groups are extra support to cope with SATs were only done one affected particularly severely by preparing just some of the findings of a National for the tests. Eighty-eight per cent said Education Union (NEU) survey on hour of art each children with special educational needs primary assessment. and disabilities (SEND) are especially Of 1,200 teachers who responded, half-term.” disadvantaged. nine out of ten said the SATs-based primary Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General assessment system is detrimental to Secretary of the NEU, said: “The children’s wellbeing and 88 per cent said Another commented: “We see Government must recognise that despite they do not benefit children’s learning. children in highly anxious states, sometimes a rhetoric that focuses on ‘standards’ and vomiting because of pressure.” ‘excellence’, they have created a system The very real nightmare of SATs Teachers slated the SATs-based that is lowering quality, harming and “Pupils at our school have cried, had system for lowering the quality of primary demotivating many children. nightmares and changed in behaviour due education. One said SATs “are the biggest “These harrowing stories should make to the pressure on them,” one teacher said. barrier that we have to high-quality and the Government sit up and listen. Teachers Another teacher said: “We’ve had relevant learning”. accept the need to be accountable for how children crying, making themselves ill well children do, but SATs are not the right and refusing to come to school – even Squeezing out other subjects way to do this. Instead of raising standards, labelling themselves failures – because of Teachers regard the SATs in year 6 as a SATs squeeze the love out of learning.” these tests.” barrier to learning that limit pupils’ access n The survey took place in June and July. to a full curriculum, with 86 per cent saying preparation for SATs squeezes out other “We’ve had parts of the curriculum. “SATs are the One commented: “After the Easter children making holidays in year 6, the children only do biggest barrier literacy and maths until SATs. All other themselves ill and subjects are jettisoned.” that we have refusing to come Another teacher said: “My class has to high-quality only done one hour of art each half-term to school.” since January.” learning.”

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12 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Looming strike prompts redundancy reversal

ACTION taken by NEU teachers and support staff at Langdon campaign for a Yes vote, including an open-air meeting outside Park secondary in east London has stopped compulsory the school gates, produced a 96 per cent vote in favour, from a redundancies. turnout of 85 per cent, in the ballot. At the beginning of May, the head announced a restructure A programme of 13 strike days in three weeks was agreed, which would result in 18 compulsory redundancies (nine teachers including action on Mondays and Fridays. and nine support staff), reductions in teaching and learning This pressure pushed governors and the council to reach responsibilities (TLRs) and reducing heads of years from seven to an agreement with the NEU on the eve of the first strike just three. which resulted in no compulsory redundancies, withdrawal of The restructure was due to be implemented from 1 September. proposals to cut TLRs and restoring most of the cuts in heads Union members demanded meetings with governors and of year posts. Tower Hamlets Council and called for industrial action. A strong By Michael Gavan, London region NUT section

The NEU made its first appearance as a combined union at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival in July. Officials and members from both sections staffed a brand new marquee and gave out information on the harmful effects of testing and school cuts, as well as discussing many other educational issues. Joint General Secretary Mary Bousted and South West Regional Secretary Andy Woolley laid a wreath on the grave of James Hammett, one of the Martyrs, as part of an annual ceremony and this was followed by a parade of banners through the village (pictured). Next Year’s festival will be held on 18-20 July. Photo by Jess Hurd Threat of a bad Ofsted Disadvantage gap IT could take more than a century to close the performance gap between report fuels inequality disadvantaged pupils and their peers unless the rate of progress rapidly improves. A PUNITIVE system of accountability is replaced by “another more complex and The annual report by the independent for schools since the 2010 education less accountable form of that Education Policy Institute revealed that in reforms has resulted in wider inequality, lacks any local democratic mandate”. GCSE English and maths, the rate at which according to a report by the Institute They said schools can become so the performance gap was closing had of Education. concerned about the consequences of slowed considerably. Its authors, Toby Greany and Rob receiving a bad Ofsted report that many The report shows the performance gap Higham, wrote: “One bad Ofsted report judged ‘outstanding’ are admitting fewer is highest in Northumberland – 26.1 months and a school can be removed from its local children eligible for free school meals. – with Sunderland (23.6), Hartlepool (24.1), governing body and handed to a multi- As a result, those judged as ‘requiring Redcar and Cleveland (23.4), and Kingston academy trust (MAT).” improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ have a upon Hull (23) not far behind. This shift towards academisation higher concentration of those children n Read more at epi.org.uk/publications- means that local authority bureaucracy than they had previously. and-research/annual-report-2018

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 13 News LGBT+ in schools event TO mark 30 years since Section 28 – a law that forbade ‘promoting’ homosexuality – the National Education Union (NEU) is holding a day of celebration and training on LGBT+ issues in schools. The day of workshops and discussions will be held on Saturday, 3 November at Hamilton House to allow teachers to share good practice. Organised by LGBT+ educators, the event welcomes teachers from every key stage. To book, go to bit.ly/section28 Award nominations DO you know a Union member making EXECUTIVE member Hank Roberts was presented with a lifetime achievement a positive difference to equality and award by Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney, in recognition of his work for diversity in their school or area? teacher trade unions and against asbestos, corruption and privatisation. The Blair Peach Award is given Lifetime awards have also been given to NUT section members Roger to an NEU member who has made an Newberry, Jean Roberts, Marion Wilson, Elwyn Bishop, Anne Wheatley, Chris exemplary contribution to their school or Woods, Dave Rigden, John Morley, Peter Flack and Ted Truscoe. Union branch in any area of equality and n see ‘Six convicted in bonus racket’, page 15 Photo by Kois Miah diversity. It is named after Blair Peach, past president of East London NUT, who was killed during an anti-racism Join us for Black stalls and plenaries focussing on topics demonstration in London in 1979. Teachers’ Conference including Black liberation and self- To nominate someone, let your organisation and encouraging Black branch secretary know about the work NEU Black Teachers’ Conference takes members to become more active within the member is doing and the branch will place on 16-18 November at the Grand the NEU. complete a nomination form and send it Hotel in Bristol. Closing date for receipt of to [email protected] by the closing Journalist, author and broadcaster applications is 15 October. date of 18 December. For more details, Gary Younge is guest speaker. To apply, visit teachers.org.uk/ visit neu.org.uk/blairpeach There will be a series of workshops, equality/black-teachers/application

THE National Education Museum is now registered as a charity. The Union is supporting the proposal to set up an independent museum covering the history and development of education from nursery to university and lifelong learning. Its aims are to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain, and to have a museum housed in a building and fully resourced online. The project was launched in November last year and a conference, expanding on its aims and drawing together plans for fundraising, is due to take place in the autumn. To get involved, or to make a donation to the museum, email [email protected] or [email protected] (Right) Toffs and Toughs by Jimmy Sime, 1937

14 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Resisting Windrush ‘hostile environment’ News Legal fund to challenge Roan academy threat UNION members at John Roan School in Greenwich continued their resistance to forced academisation with six days of strike action before the summer break. On their last two days, NEU members were joined by support staff in the GMB union. The school was labelled ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted earlier this year, prompting the of academisation by the Secretary of State. NEU members voted by 95 per cent to continue their action in the new term. The Union is calling on governors to challenge Ofsted’s judgment. Some parents have taken matters into their own hands and set up a crowdfunding SHADOW Home Secretary Diane Abbott from Commonwealth countries as UK campaign to pay for legal action. (pictured above) speaking at Windrush 70 citizens who have then been deported and The NEU has also been lobbying Resisting the Hostile Environment, a public their rights attacked. The audience showed the regional schools commissioner meeting held at Hamilton House before the solidarity for those affected and discussed who has the power to revoke an summer break. ways to keep up the pressure for justice. academisation order in ‘special The ‘hostile environment’ created Other speakers included NUT section circumstances’. John Roan has had five by the Government has targeted a executive member Daniel Kebede and Wilf head teachers in three years. generation of people who were invited Sullivan from the TUC. Photo by Rehan Jamil To donate to the legal fund, visit crowdjustice.com/case/stop-the- forced-academisation-thejohnroan Six convicted in bonus racket Tackling high exclusion A FORMER head teacher and five of his education in 2014 – following his conviction. THE Union has welcomed a report former colleagues have been ordered The bonuses were sanctioned by the calling for an end to zero-tolerance to give back thousands of pounds in former chair of governors Dr Indravadan behaviour policies which contribute overpayments they received unlawfully Patel and former vice-chair, Martin Day, towards high exclusion levels in as part of a school bonuses scandal. both of whom were criticised by the judge schools. And the High Court ruling on for “breach of fiduciary duty”, “wholesale Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General 17 August has been welcomed by the failures” and “reckless indifference”. Secretary of the NEU, said these policies Union rep who first blew the whistle on Mr Davies, Dr Patel and Mr Day were discriminate against disadvantaged the case nine years ago. found to have breached their fiduciary children and those with special duties to Brent Council, leading to losses of educational needs and disabilities. Whistleblower himself faced dismissal more than £1 million. Dr Evans, Mr Udokoro The House of Commons Hank Roberts, a member of the National and Ms McKenzie were found to have been Education Committee report said Education Union (NEU) Joint Executive in knowing receipt of payments arising from “an unfortunate and unintended Council, was suspended and faced dismissal those breaches of duties. consequence” of the Government’s after he first raised the case. The exact sums that each of the six strong focus on school standards Alan Davies, the former head of must now pay back will be decided at a were practices that have resulted Copland Community School in Wembley, court hearing in October. in disadvantaged children being London, along with former deputy head Mr Roberts, a former geography disproportionately excluded. Dr Richard Evans, former HR manager teacher and NEU rep at Copland, said: “It Among the recommendations Michele McKenzie and former school was tough, but I would encourage all who is the renaming of pupil referral units bursar Columbus Udokoro were found to discover anything similar to whistleblow. and other alternative provision to have benefitted from the “vast sums” they This is occurring far too often, especially remove the attached stigma. It also received in illicit bonuses. in academies that have totally inadequate suggests that pupils excluded a Davies took home more than systems of financial oversight and control.” certain number of times should, with n £400,000 in one year and was convicted Copland School closed on 31 August, their parents, be given access to an of false accounting in 2013. He was stripped 2014. The Ark Elvin Academy opened on the independent advocate. of his knighthood – received for services to same site on 1 September of the same year.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 15 News Jarvis Award for top The award should be made to a House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H person who has campaigned tirelessly on 9BD. Nominations close at the end of the education campaigners educational issues which are broadly in autumn term. NOMINATIONS are now open for the support of the NEU’s ethos. Entries will be considered by the 2019 Fred and Anne Jarvis Award. Members are invited to nominate executive in January. The award will be The award pays tribute to the for the 2019 award. Those submitting made at NEU annual conference, to be example and commitment to education a nomination should provide their own held from 15-18 April, 2019 in Liverpool. shown by former NUT General Secretary names, the names and contact details and his wife, Anne Jarvis, a of their associations/division, and the lifelong NUT member and former chair name and contact details of the person Could you deliver for of the education committee for Barnet nominated. They must also provide a anti-racism charity? Council, who died in 2007. brief resumé (maximum of 500 words) SHOW Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), Each year since 2008, the award of their reasons. the UK’s leading anti-racism educational has recognised the contribution of an Nomination forms can be charity, has opportunities for NEU individual, outside the Union, who has downloaded at teachers.org.uk/ members to further its work with young been involved in campaigning on a members-reps/local-and-national- people in schools. national or local educational issue. awards/fred-and-anne-jarvis-award, You need to have a passion for The 2018 award was presented completed, then emailed to daniel. equality and diversity and be prepared, to journalist Warwick Mansell (see page [email protected] or by post to: Daniel with training and support, to deliver 31) for his invaluable contribution to the Stone, Education Policy and Research, educational classroom-based sessions education debate. National Education Union, Hamilton to young people. The work is primarily based around London and the south of England but the charity would also like to hear from members in other areas of the UK as it is keen to expand the reach of its work. It cannot offer full- or part-time posts – the work is purely on a sessional basis and remunerated by a competitive hourly rate plus reasonable travel expenses. Contact Steve Goodsell on 07982 476454 or email [email protected]

How NEU fund is spent THE NEU is the UK’s largest education union and uses its 450,000 members’ voices to campaign and influence political parties on issues that matter. Like 17 other unions in the TUC, the NEU has a non-party political fund EDUCATORS from across the country gathered for Young Teachers whereby members can opt to pay a small Conference in June. Taking place at the University of Warwick, the event amount on top of their subs to support brought together teachers aged under 36 to talk about issues affecting them. campaigning work. The weekend got off to a lively start with a hotly contested quiz, won by a The NEU does not affiliate to, or group of first-time delegates from Islington. financially support, any political party. It The following day Melissa Benn presented her vision for the future of maintains its independence in order to comprehensive education and took questions about how best to bring about persuade every party to make the best change in the classroom. She was followed by NEU Joint General Secretary decisions for education professionals Kevin Courtney and Assistant General Secretary Avis Gilmore, who outlined and their learners. Education unions, the Union’s campaign priorities for the next year. NASUWT and UCU, and Workshops were held on confronting excessive workload (above), teaching union, Prospect, also have funds and mixed ability classes and tackling the Prevent agenda in our schools. don’t affiliate to any political party. The weekend was hugely successful in introducing a new group of young Members can opt-out of teachers to Union activity and arming them with knowledge they need to build contributing to the fund by completing campaigns in their associations. and returning a notice of exemption By Laurence Rose, London Young Teachers Photo by Kois Miah which is available at neu.org.uk/file/ political-fund-exemption-form

16 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Academies update ‘Screeching handbrake turn’ by DfE

ARGUMENTS for the forced academisation and Simple School Accountability System, Three Cambridgeshire primaries – of schools have begun to crumble. setting out proposed changes on which it Fulbourn, Mayfield and The Spinney – had will consult in the autumn term. planned to become a single MAT known as ‘No alternative’ to forced academisation? the Innovation Trust. However, they have The Education and Adoption Act 2016 ‘Coasting’ no longer a threat subsequently informed the DfE that they placed a duty on the Secretary of State for The proposals would mean that schools are withdrawing their application. Education to issue an academy order to any deemed ‘coasting’ will no longer face school rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted. the threat of forced academisation (or MAT conversion too risky However, in response to a question in a change of sponsor if they are already A letter from Mayfield’s head and chair Parliament from Greenwich and Woolwich academies). The DfE “will only mandate of governors says that “some education MP Matthew Pennycook, the Department academy conversion, leadership change analysts” have described the review as a for Education (DfE) has admitted that or re-brokerage of a school on grounds of “screeching handbrake turn on school 18 schools previously rated ‘inadequate’ educational underperformance if Ofsted accountability that may have implications have had academy orders revoked after has judged it inadequate”. for the support of MATs, particularly in their subsequent Ofsted inspections removed It also says that the floor and coasting early phase”. them from special measures. standards will be scrapped and replaced It goes on to say that “the financial and Kevin Courtney, Joint General with “a single, transparent data standard”. growth challenges, in addition to the recent Secretary of the National Education Union In addition, the principles curb the change in education policy, now make the (NEU), said: “This is hugely significant power of regional schools commissioners current educational climate too ambiguous” and shows that an academy order can (RSCs), making clear that schools will no to proceed with forming a MAT. be challenged.” longer be subject to ‘inspections’ by RSCs These developments mean that reps in or their representatives. schools which are being forced into academy Accountability review The announcement is already causing status, or where governors are considering In another significant shift, the DfE some schools to revise their plans to form voluntary transfer, have significant arguments published a paper, Principles for a Clear into multi-academy trusts (MATs). to draw on in resisting these moves.

Council calls for Teaching Trump academies to a thing or two return to LA

COUNTY councillors in West Sussex have voted unanimously to support the return of academy schools to local authority control following concerns raised by parents and staff at Thomas Bennett Community College. The motion calls on Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds to allow for an academy school to be returned to local authority control if it is clear that’s what parents want. In February, The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) proposed drastic cuts to the school, including removing the head teacher, closing the sixth form, removing the special educational needs co-ordinator, cutting teachers by 15 per cent and support staff by 30 per cent. A joint union and community campaign to save the school resulted in a change to proposals, but also highlighted the lack YOUNG teachers joined the Dump Trump demonstration in central London in July. Nearly 250,000 of power available to local authorities to took to the streets to protest about the US President’s visit to Britain. Photo by Kois Miah intervene in academy schools and fulfil their statutory duty to local children.

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18 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Mental health matters Union people

Year 3 teacher Scott Lyons (below) is a health and safety adviser and mental health first aid instructor at Dereham Junior Academy in Norfolk. He is also joint Division Secretary for the county.

What do you love about teaching? What’s important to you right now? As a year 3 teacher, I love the interaction Mental health for teachers. We are with the children and the ‘wow’ moments. rightfully required to be more emotionally Plus, you still get to have a giggle when available for pupils. Therefore, we need to they make you laugh. demand and create space to be available for one another. We are promoting mental What do you love about being in the health first aiders in every Norfolk school. Union? Also, how can we encourage When people ask me about my passion for ‘supervision’ for teachers, akin to best the Union, I ask what their job title is and practice in special schools, to promote whether they care about people with a mental health and protect against burnout similar role. and compassion fatigue? I say I am a teacher and I am not in competition with other teachers – they are What do you do on your day off? professional kin. I care about what happens My two sons are committed footballers so to them and feel strongly that we should I spend Saturday and Sunday pitchside. decide what happens to our profession. My Then I might watch a game at Norwich City Union supports this, so I support my Union. or at our local team, Dereham Town. considering changing schools, so they What have you been up to lately? are informed on what is happening in a Tell us something that we don’t know. I have been busy updating our conditions fragmented education system. Darth Vader is from Norfolk. Sebastian comparison website – wheretoteach.com Plus, it helps local officers negotiate Shaw, born and brought up in Holt, played It has been very popular with members better and avoid a ‘race to the bottom’ for the dying Darth Vader and redeemed in Norfolk, especially when they are pay and conditions. Anakin Skywalker. Victory for East Sussex in pay equality battle

TEACHERS in East Sussex are celebrating after winning an important battle on pay. National pay rates have been restored to main-scale teachers following strikes at five schools and the threat of action at 13 more across the county. The dispute was over a pay policy in East Sussex which set many teachers’ pay lower than most of the country, including neighbouring Brighton and Hove. The settlement means that the affected teachers, across more than 150 East Sussex schools, will get an extra rise in September, bringing them in line with teachers in other counties. Phil Clarke, secretary of the Lewes Ex-President Philipa Harvey and current president Kiri Tunks join strikers at Uckfield Community College Eastbourne and Wealden NEU, said: “We are pleased to be able to suspend the recruit teachers turning down jobs and “However, school funding nationally planned strikes. It will be to the benefit of others looking at moving to other areas. remains in a disgraceful state. The NEU our pupils that going forward East Sussex “We are also pleased there will be an will be looking to put its resources into will not be a low-paying county for teachers. improved process for deciding pay policy in campaigning alongside head teachers for “We were already hearing of hard to East Sussex next year. adequate funding for our schools.”

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 19 TheTeacher_297x230_20180910.qxp_9 22/08/2018 10:47 Page 1

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What happens during the summer to young people who rely on school meals?

A SURVEY of 657 secondary school teachers found growing concern that young people are not getting enough to eat over the summer holidays. In the poll, conducted by the National Education Union (NEU), teachers said they thought holiday hunger was affecting more children now than three years ago and that local initiatives designed to tackle it were not equipped to meet the demand. n More than half said children in their school experienced holiday hunger. n 77 per cent said the situation had either got worse or not improved in the last three years. n 59 per cent felt local provision outside of school was insufficient. One respondent said: “I see children come back to school in September looking visibly less well nourished.” Another said: “We have 51 per cent on free school meals and I’ve seen no local the NEU, said: “Food banks, faith groups “The Government must take steps to holiday provision.” and voluntary organisations are being tackle the issue of holiday hunger through Commenting on the findings, Ros left to pick up the pieces where central properly funded local authorities and McNeil, Assistant General Secretary of government has failed. urgently tackling child poverty.” Unrealised joys and life chances limited

NEU member Rupert Kaye is head teacher at emotional growth. It suppresses academic Like many others, our school runs a Christ Church CofE First School and Nursery, progress and limits their life chances. free breakfast club. We boost children’s Frome, Somerset. well-being, learning and behaviour with Taxes not paid and jobs not created bagels, cereal and juice. On any given I AM head teacher of a school serving What is the full cost to the UK of childhood morning, a third of the school population is families in one of the most socially poverty? Not just in terms of monetary fed during term-time. deprived neighbourhoods in the south- expense but in lost income and unrealised west. joy. The wealth not earned, taxes not Food banks having to feed our children Our catchment is characterised paid, inventions not invented, books left But how do low-income families cope by low levels of adult literacy, high unwritten, jobs not created. during holidays? A new initiative in Frome unemployment, low family income, and What if that child could cure cancer, between schools, the council, the town’s poor adult and child health. write the finest opera, or spearhead a social food bank, and local charities and churches Any one of these is a barrier. But this reform that would empower millions? means children can access activities and a cocktail of disadvantage conspires to As head of a church school, I strive free lunch three days a week throughout erect an almost insurmountable wall in the to promote wisdom, hope, community the summer. path of children’s academic progress and and dignity. I see these values as key to This is good. But is it not a shameful life chances. unlocking human potential. I believe state of affairs when any child in the UK The proportion of children living in schools should play a full part in serving should go to bed hungry or have their poverty in the UK is projected to rise to 33 society; changing individual lives and life chances stunted by the lack of a per cent by 2020 (The Children’s Society, shaping societal mores. But, for us to have nutritious diet? At what point will those Child Poverty in the UK, 2013). Poverty maximum impact, pupils need to be freed who govern declare that the eradication of stunts children’s physical, mental and from poverty. childhood poverty is a national priority?

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 21 Join our fundraising adventure.

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The British Diabetic Association operating as Diabetes UK, a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 215199) and in Scotland (no. SC039136). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with no. 00339181 and registered office at Wells Lawrence House, 126 Back Church Lane London E1 1FH 1096C Poem by Michael Rosen Illustration by Dan Berry

Sad to say, this is a report on the addiction of those who think they have the power of prediction, based on what is nothing more than a perception that tests administered to kids in reception will enable DfE to compare schools’ proficiency in helping children to progress, with efficiency.

A panel of experts said the tests are unreliable, yet governments are always, we know, very liable to use such data to hold schools to account, particularly whenever they want to mount a case to alter a school’s composition. Such drastic measures would be a poor decision: assessment for young children is best when it’s formative, they don’t need this addiction to tests that are normative.

Anyone serious about our children’s education knows very well that a genuine evaluation would not be possible till the end of Key Stage 2 – that’s not till 2027, between me and you.

Ten million quid is what the tests are going to cost: that’s more money for schools, that we know will be lost. Living the dream?

Words by Emily Jenkins. Photos by Kois Miah.

24 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 While village schools may sound idyllic, many are struggling to stay afloat due to the ‘endless cycle of cuts’, as the Teacher discovered when we visited Owslebury Primary in Hampshire.

“WE’RE on top of a hill with rolling countryside for miles. There are horses on the lanes and cows in the fields. The church bell rings every hour,” says Karen Williams, a teacher at Owslebury Primary in Hampshire. “We have acres of space for the pupils to play in, parents volunteer to help in all sorts of ways and the community links are strong, long lasting and intergenerational.” Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Except, bubbling beneath this rural paradise, is a growing threat to Karen’s school and those like it.

The pressures of per-pupil funding There are just under 4,000 rural primary schools in England. They are designated as such by the Government to offer protection against closure. And yet, as Karen points out, due to per-pupil funding pressures, “the Government is presiding over the death of these schools, trapped in an endless cycle of cuts”. The main determinant of school funding is the number of pupils. Except at Karen’s school and other rural schools, there may be as few as Pyjama day at Owslebury Primary - teddies welcome four or five children in a year or as many as 18. This brings chaos to school budgets. With staffing being one of the largest costs, simultaneously, teach multiple subjects and Karen currently has seven students in year several year groups are often combined into one across key stages. 6. “Each year, we have to ask ourselves: can we class to save money on teachers. This leads to an enormous and demanding afford a teacher?” she says. workload for each of them. “Does funding for seven children allow Juggling year groups and subjects “To be able to teach multiple age groups us to heat their classroom? Can we afford At Owslebury, for example, there are only four and be in charge of multiple subjects, you resources? If we have seven again in the next teachers, one head (who is also designated probably need experience, and so you’re going year or two, will we have to let a teacher go?” safeguarding lead) and a part-time member of to need the teachers who are more expensive,” Also, there is little ability to plan in staff to cover seven year groups. Karen says. . A school won’t know how many Consequently, everyone is expected children it’ll get until registration closes. to juggle two, maybe three, year groups n Continued on page 26

Karen’s top tips for teaching in a rural school

n Allow time for getting stuck n Bring an umbrella – the only behind a tractor on your way mobile phone signal is in the to work. car park. n Make do without n Enjoy working in a small, pavements or streetlights, tight-knit team, you won’t wear high-viz jackets and look want to leave! out for horses. n Gritting and snow n Embrace the benefits of from far and wide, and value a shovelling? Do it yourself. small class sizes. diverse school. n Ignore Gove – no child will n Wear many hats. n Any subject can be taught be harmed if they learn about n Accommodate families outdoors. Vikings before the Stone Age.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 25 The whole school community at Owslebury Primary n Continued from page 25 league tables to schools, teachers are forced to And, if you’re not on a league table, it can prioritise. “You have to put enormous effort in be harder to recruit pupils and teachers. The prescriptive nature of the curriculum to making sure your year 6 students are going Rural schools can be more expensive to makes their jobs even more challenging. to do well in their SATs test. So you have to run. Often in old buildings, maintenance and “, in his wisdom, said compromise; year 5 basically become year 6 in heating costs are high. the history curriculum has to be taught in a waiting,” she says. Karen’s school, for example, is not on the ‘coherent, chronological, narrative’,” Karen says. gas grid, so they have Calor gas central heating. “Now that doesn’t work if you have two Too small to ‘count’ “Costs for heating in a rural area are exorbitant,” year groups in one class. And anyway, how Even then, schools like Owslebury often fail she says. “In winter, we don’t have it on for a scarred can a child really get learning about the to appear on yearly league tables because the minute longer than necessary. As the children Anglo Saxons before the Romans?” Government imposes a minimum number of leave, we put on our coats to keep warm.” With the increasing importance of pupils in a year before a school can qualify. Local authorities used to be able to help

“Everyone is expected to juggle two, maybe three, year groups, teach multiple subjects and teach across key stages.” Karen Williams

(From left) Karen Williams, part-time teacher/ leadership release; Natalie White, deputy head, KS2 leader, year 5 & 6 teacher; Cara Aylward, EYFS/KS1 lead, year R, 1 & 2 teacher; Wendy Smith, head teacher, safeguarding lead; Will Harvey, year 3 & 4 teacher; Angela Kirby, inclusion manager, SEND, NQT mentor

26 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 The school has been around a long time, as this report from 1900 shows “Lose the school and our villages will fade and become museums.” What Owslebury pupils love about their school n It’s easier to work here, so peaceful, no traffic. n You get much more schools with the fixed costs involved with attention, because the running a building – money in addition to the classes are small. per-pupil funding a school received. But the Government’s recently introduced National n It’s quiet. Funding Formula is now reducing the discretion n There’s enough space to councils have to reflect the particular needs of play football every day. small schools and so money gets even tighter. n In school productions, Trapped without transport everyone gets at least one part. Transport is an issue too. According to research from Rural England, three out of five young n You are noticed more. people in rural areas of England do not have n We learn outdoors. adequate public transport to get to school. n People come here And this isn’t set to improve. Local because they want to. Gardening club at Owslebury Primary authority funding for buses in rural areas has fallen by 25 per cent in the past four years and n You know everyone and everyone knows you, so it feels safe. about half of people in smaller villages do not have access to any public transport. All this means that, if you don’t have a of fundraising, we have to – we fundraise for post offices are being closed, public transport school in your village, you must own a car, sports and playground equipment,” she says. is being cut to skeleton services and village something not all families can afford. This can put pressure on those families schools are struggling to keep themselves afloat. With limited transport, the option of who can’t afford to help. “We’re surrounded by “Lose the school and our villages will fade enriching extra-curricular activities also farms. They employ a lot of people but wages and become museums,” says Karen. “I consider gets curtailed. “There’s a secondary school are not high and the costs of living are huge.” myself so lucky to work in such a wonderful bus that brings some children back to our place. Our communities, small as they are, village,” Karen says. “But there’s only one bus, Rural communities under threat make up an important part of our country.” so children can’t take part in anything extra- Poverty is a serious problem. Currently, one in curricular unless their parents can afford to seven rural households live in poverty. Union members back Karen’s motion pick them up.” “In our village we have council housing,” Karen put forward a motion at the National Karen tells me. “But if the school had to be Education Union: NUT section conference, Forced to rely on parents for funding closed because of lack of funding, what would calling for support for rural schools. “With This also applies to outings and trips. When people do then? Do they ask to be rehoused?” nearly 4,000 rural schools, there’s a lot of NEU there is not enough money for coach hire, Rural areas of England contribute more members facing these problems,” she says. Karen’s school relies on the parents – those that than a fifth of England’s total economic activity. “But because you’re so isolated in your can afford it – to drive the children. The rural economy needs a workforce and little rural pocket it’s sometimes harder to come Parents are also called upon to contribute those families need a local education for their together. It was so exciting to bring this motion and help fundraise to provide the children with children. And yet, across rural England, public to conference. And even better that members basic equipment and essentials. “We do a lot services are slowly disappearing. Shops and voted unanimously to support it.”

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 27 Join us before 31 December 2018 for 75% off your first year’s membership* Join the National Education FREE Union: more than membership 450,000 teachers for trainees or and education just £1 if you professionals are newly standing up for qualified. education. Join us today www.neu.org.uk/join

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28 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 This year’s UK Disability History Month will explore music and links with the experience of disablement. Richard Rieser reminds us how disabled artists have been some of the world’s best-loved musical inspirations.

Songs in the key of life

CREATIVE impulse, the urge for self- Roland Kirk, Art Tatum, Ray Charles and expression and the need to connect to fellow Stevie Wonder to name a few. human beings often ‘trumps’ the oppression In Cairo, the Al Nour Wal Amal we as disabled people have faced and continue Orchestra has only blind female musicians to face. using Braille notation and memory to play UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) high class western symphony music. From aims to showcase how people with every Mali, there is the highly successful blind duo type and degree of impairment can creatively Amadou and Mariam. express themselves through music. The event Another world music phenomenon, from will interpret the music, lyrics, librettos and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the band performance against social model thinking, Staff Benda Bilili who came together while hoping to encourage solidarity and support for sleeping rough on the streets of Kinshasa. Five disabled people’s ongoing struggle for equality. of the band’s players are wheelchair-using polio survivors. Blind in the eyes, illuminated in the soul There is a long association between blindness Reasons to be cheerful and music, both classical and popular. In Ian Dury was a UK polio survivor and art early times, blindness was often associated college student, a founder of punk music, who with punishment – for example, Oedipus wore callipers on both legs. His response to and Samson, or as divine inspiration such the International Year of Disabled Persons in as the Greek prophet Tiresias and Odyssey 1981 – Spasticus Autisticus – was banned by author Homer. the BBC. It was a political statement against Francesco Landini, the 14th century prevailing charity and patronising attitudes. composer in Renaissance Florence, was Many blind singers Steve Harley, frontman of the rock band described as “blind in his eyes, but illuminated and musicians, Cockney Rebel, used his physical impairment in his soul”. from polio to create a tableau in Psychomodo. A similar approach was taken towards such as Stevie Soft Machine founder and singer Robert Frederick Delius, who died in 1934. Wyatt survived a fall from a fourth-floor Delius’s late music was composed in close Wonder (pictured), window but his spinal paralysis did not stop collaboration with Eric Fenby who helped have made careers his pop comeback. him as he became blind and unable to use his Contemporarily, Drake Music promotes hands due to syphilis. in blues, jazz and young disabled musicians; Disability Arts Beethoven had lost 60 per cent of his Online highlights contemporary disabled hearing by 1801 when he was just 31 and popular music. musicians; and Bournemouth Symphony by 1816 he was completely deaf. He was Orchestra are working with James Rose as a determined to continue, and wrote some disabled conductor with of the world’s most notable music as a deaf When she tries to get away from him, she disabled musicians. person, including the Eroica Symphony 3 and seeks the protection of Porgy who loves her. Symphony No 8. As their friendship develops, she comes UKDHM to love Porgy but Crown cannot accept that launches on I Loves You, Porgy Bess would leave him for someone that he 19 November with With popular music, Porgy and Bess was considers a useless ‘cripple’. With such songs events continuing the first modern musical/opera to feature an as I Loves You, Porgy and Summertime, it was entire Black cast. Written by George and Ira the first all-Black musical to break through until 22 December. Gershwin in 1935, it is set in the deep south of into the mainstream. See ukdhm.org for America just after the Civil War. Blind singers and musicians have made more details or email Porgy is a disabled man who lives in a careers in blues, jazz and popular music – shack, using a cart on wheels to get around. Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Richard at rlrieser Bess is a ‘fallen angel’, beleaguered and Blind Lemon Jefferson, George Shearing, @gmail.com oppressed by a violent low-life called Crown. Lennie Tristano, Tete Montoliu, Diane Schuur,

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 29 Supply teachers Know your pay rights as an agency worker

IF you work as a supply teacher for an have all the same rights as a permanent Of course, these are all just excuses agency you may be aware that, after 12 employee, under this legislation you get and none of them are valid reasons for weeks in the same role, you are entitled to some, particularly after 12 weeks. turning down your AWR pay claim. be paid as if you are a permanent employee It can be exhausting trying to fight working in that role. Excuses to not increase your pay on your own. However, there is plenty of The 12 weeks don’t have to run Concerning your pay, agencies are legally support out there. continuously – you can have up to six weeks’ obliged to find out what it should be and The Union’s website has numerous gap between assignments at the school and increase it accordingly from week 13. resources, including model letters you carry on counting when you return. Of course, what usually happens is can send to your agency. And the Although you can’t count the weeks agencies don’t mention anything in the Adviceline (0345 811 8111) can assign a you haven’t worked, the clock doesn’t hope you know nothing about it and, if you caseworker to support you. reset to zero. The same thing happens with do, you won’t ask for it anyway out of fear of There’s also an active supply network school holidays – the clock only pauses, it no longer getting work. and many associations now have a supply doesn’t reset. When you do bring up the topic, teacher officer. In case you have no idea what I’m you need to be prepared for a barrage We’d love you to get involved. Contact talking about, I’m referring to a piece of of excuses. These can range from ‘you’ve your local association for details and visit legislation called the Agency Worker changed classes’ to ‘the school hasn’t teachers.org.uk for advice and information. Regulations (AWR), which came into force agreed your AWR rate’ to ‘you’re not a By Anne Morgan, supply teacher officer, in 2011. Although you are never going to real teacher’. Tameside NUT section

DELEGATES to the Union’s supply teachers’ conference (left) at Warwick University discussed setting up an ethical agency, working with the press and media, and lobbying MPs and members of the Welsh Assembly. Other subjects included working with the NEU, working as a supply pool with a multi-chain academy and a guide to agency worker regulations. Photo by Kois Miah

Protesters present supply agency with low-pay trophy

A LOBBY of New Directions agency has sought to grant to one agency. in Cardiff was attended by around 100 Organised by the Supply Teachers teachers and supply teachers from all parts Network, a special low-pay award and of England and Wales. trophy was presented to the agency. The rapidly deteriorating pay and The lack of pension or sickness conditions being imposed on supply benefits, employers evading agency worker teachers in England has become more acute regulations, the iniquity of finder’s fees and in Wales. A major contributory factor is the the squeeze on daily pay rates were some virtual monopoly the Welsh Government of the issues raised by speakers. Lobbying New Directions agency in Cardiff

30 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Cartoon by Polly Donnison

All talk, still waiting for action from Ofsted

Warwick Mansell is a school reform in England, it is how many backed academy chain, I think we need to freelance education stories are raising questions about the way be cautious. journalist and former Ofsted operates. It’s certainly not unusual to come TES correspondent. I wonder if the inspectorate is equipped across a case where, having looked at Read his blog at to follow through on the logic of its new some goings-on, I refer back to the Ofsted teachers.org.uk/blog proposals? The rhetoric implies it is taking inspection and find myself thinking: why did on the agenda of results-driven schooling in the inspectors not pick up on this? a manner which my investigations suggest Perhaps it is a question of time or is a long way from reality. inspection budget. Maybe it is a reluctance HOW deep will Ofsted’s professed new One of the most disturbing effects of on the part of individual inspectors to drive to take on the results-are-everything results pressures in secondary schools is ask questions beyond what Ofsted’s test culture in England’s schools really go? the phenomenon of “off-rolling”: removing results-driven datasets might be indicating. I ask the question having welcomed children to take them out of exams results There is also the question of political reports of an overhaul of Ofsted’s calculations by which schools are judged. independence. Bold Beginnings, the Ofsted inspection framework, with “exam factory” The inspectorate suggested last year document which seemed to advocate a schools which “teach to the test” said to that it would be investigating cases of pupil more formal approach towards early years face being marked down amid warnings rolls shrinking dramatically in the lead-up teaching, in line with the views of ministers from chief inspector Amanda Spielman that to GCSEs. but against the weight of much professional children are being “betrayed”. Yet I have come across two recent opinion, has raised the question of the Anyone concerned about the malign cases, involving schools run by high-profile inspectorate’s distance from ideologically effects of league tables and the rest of academy chains, in which pupil numbers minded policymakers. the results-driven accountability apparatus reducing by more than ten per cent did not To my mind, Ofsted’s drive against the – including Ofsted reports – must give even feature in their inspection reports, side-effects of results-driven schooling cautious approval to this attempt at which delivered positive verdicts. might work if it were resourced to push-back. I understand that inspectors are investigate those effects in all their detail And yet, if there is one thing taking this issue seriously in individual and if it had the political independence to which has taken me aback running inspections. But, until Ofsted starts publicly ask questions about Government policies educationuncovered.co.uk, which delves raising questions about changing cohort which incentivise such practice. into often under-investigated aspects of numbers in, say, a major, government- Unfortunately, I fear it lacks both.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 31 Charity no 1160384 and a company limited by guarantee no 09387398 by guarantee limited Charity no 1160384 and a company

POVERTY IS NOT PART OF GOD’S PLAN But today, millions of children and young people around the world will miss out and on food, clean water and even on going to school. Your fundraising will help our this OCTOBER a BRIGHTER partners to work alongside the world’s BUILD poorest communities as they find ways WORLD to overcome their many challenges. for your fundraising pack and to book a CAFOD speaker. Visit cafod.org.uk/schools

R120027 Being with them makes my day A class act

Eve Trestain is a SEND teacher at William Morris School in Walthamstow. Her pupils have profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and she’s learnt a lot in her one year as a qualified teacher. Emily Jenkins finds out what makes her a class act.

EVE Trestain’s class is small – just seven (Left) Eve’s class pupils aged between 16 and 18. But with created a solar each of them facing a different set of system, which she challenges, it’s quite full on. says for some higher “I have pupils suffering from muscular ability pupils involved dystrophy, brain damage, severe autism learning facts about and complex epilepsy,” Eve tells the the planets, “while for Teacher. others it was about “Some can barely move or speak. engaging motor skills” Others can be quite academic. “When I first started, I thought ‘oh my goodness, how am I going to engage them?’” she says. “But I quickly learnt it’s about balance. I had to change my expectations of what learning looks like. It’s not about text books and grades, it’s about listening to She’s particularly proud of last term’s member of her senior leadership team who their needs.” solar system project (above), where suggested she become a teacher. students made a planet a week out of “I was nervous because I’m dyslexic Mentally and physically demanding bubble wrap, paper and paint, and a whole and wasn’t sure I could do it,” she says. Teaching for Eve is a team effort. star system using cling film and foil. But she never looked back and her “My TAs are fantastic,” she enthuses. “It was great fun,” Eve says. “But passion for her work is palpable. “I couldn’t do it without them. there’s a big difference between what each Talking about cuts to SEND funding, “The job is physically intense. You have student gets out of it. Some of my higher she says: “The teachers I work with go out to lift students in and out of wheelchairs, ability pupils were learning facts about of their way to give students everything change them and organise messy play. But each planet, while for others it was about they need. I don’t think it fair they are being the staff are phenomenal.” engaging motor skills.” made to provide resources themselves Eve is most in her element when she’s She admits the intensity of her work for students or fight to provide them with getting messy. “Give me glitter and glue can be exhausting. the basics. The job is already difficult. Why and I’m happy,” she tells the Teacher. “I have a student with complex make it harder?” epilepsy who, at one point, was having 50 seizures a day. You have days when you get ‘Insane, challenging… but I adore it’ home and just need to sleep.” Despite the difficulties, Eve’s enthusiasm Eve still makes time to go to the gym is infectious. four times a week, and finds it an outlet “I love it! It’s insane and really for the physical and mental demands of challenging but I absolutely adore it,” she the job. says. “It’s honestly a privilege to work with “The students can get aggressive but my students. They are so resilient and have the biting and scratching doesn’t phase amazing personalities. They make my day me,” she says. “The hard part is always just by being with them.” staying calm – the gym helps me let it out.” And, with Eve as their teacher, we’re sure the feeling is mutual. Wise head on young shoulders The way Eve talks about teaching, you wouldn’t guess she only qualified a year How was your day? ago. She seems to have achieved so much. If you know someone who’s a class act, Teacher Eve Trestain Starting as a TA in a private nursery, it was a email details to [email protected]

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 33 Ask the Union

Called up for jury service ARE teachers on jury service obliged to set cover for their absence?

IF called for jury service, a teacher is allowed to defer taking up their post until a more convenient time of year, but can only do this once. Teachers are not obliged to set cover for their absence. Jury service would usually take place over a number of weeks Courses for the autumn term and schools would be expected to provide long-term supply or cover to take classes, THE Union’s courses, delivered by high-quality tutors, are a chance to meet members, using the departmental/year group’s share experiences and knowledge, grow in professional confidence and skills, and scheme of work. develop particular aspects of your role. Jury service should be treated in much The following is a taster of what is available during the autumn term. For the full list the same way as a teacher’s absence due to of courses visit neu.org.uk/learning long-term illness or maternity leave. Your employer can choose to pay Strategies for inclusive, quality-first 8 November – Worcester you, or can ask you to claim a contribution teaching 7 December – Guildford towards loss of earnings from the court. Focusing on what makes the most Either way, you do not have to set any cover Making & using film – focus: animation difference to the life chances of children work for lessons missed. Bring your lessons to life by creating a and young people: quality-first teaching. More information about the process range of animations with your pupils. 18-19 October – TBC (residential) of jury service, including claiming for loss 8 October and 19 November (5-7pm) – of earnings, can be found at gov.uk/jury- Walk in their shoes London The challenges of the school day for service/taking-time-off-work children with specific learning difficulties. Making & using film – focus: literacy 30 October – Sheffield New and creative ways to improve your Midwife appointments 27 November – Cambridge students’ literacy skills. 12 November and 7 January, 2019 I’M pregnant and my midwife Essential behaviour management (5pm-7pm)– Birmingham appointments (which are every two to three This workshop will equip you with the weeks) fall on my planning, preparation and basic tools of behaviour management to Metacognition: English and maths assessment (PPA) afternoon. help improve classroom practice. Workshop building on your I haven’t been requesting paid time 11 October – London understanding of metacognition – off because we’re allowed to go home for 1 November – Durham thinking about thinking – and how to PPA anyway. My midwife appointments last 20 November – Nottingham apply this to English and maths. around 40 minutes (including travel time) 29 November – Plymouth 2 October – London and can’t be changed to a different day. 20 November – Liverpool Would it be reasonable to ask SLT for Adding values and enhancing practice additional non-contact time to make up Equal access to promotion Designed for newly qualified teachers for the PPA I’m missing during my midwife Two-day development programme for and early career teachers who want to appointments? build effective classroom management Black teachers. 9-10 November – TBC (residential) skills and improve behaviour for learning. IT is reasonable to ask for your PPA 23-24 November – TBC (residential) Ride the waves time to be reimbursed as your midwife Ethical and authentic leadership – The meaning of high-quality inclusive appointments involve ongoing medical ‘Doing the right thing’ teaching and ways of planning and treatment and you are entitled to paid time Reflect on different leadership working together to maximize the off. If they happened to fall on a different approaches, understand what ethical impact of support staff. day to your PPA you would still expect to be leadership is and discover your own 15 November – Leeds allowed out of school to attend them. authenticity as a leader. 4 December – Manchester You could request to have your PPA moved to an alternative day, but this may

34 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Please write The editor welcomes your questions but reserves the right to edit them. Write to: Ask the Union, The Teacher, NEU: NUT section, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD or email [email protected] Questions for the November/December issue should reach us no later than 30 September.

The big picture

LOVE Music Hate Racism and the National Education Union made a big splash at Notting Hill Carnival 2018. Despite the rain, the Union team sported bright yellow T-shirts and partied hard to a sound system powered by Soca DJ legend Smokey Joe. The theme this year was Sunbeams, paying dedication to the glorious warmth of the Caribbean sun, Claudia Jones - founder of the carnival - and the Windrush Generation. Why not put us in the picture by sending us your photographs? They can be quirky, scenic or funny, just as long as the subject is of interest to your fellow members. Send your high-resolution photo to [email protected] along with a few words about its subject. Photo by Jo Holland prove impossible depending on the nature NQTs are also entitled to PPA time Do I need to attend INSET of your school’s current timetable. Another, equivalent to ten per cent of their reduced potentially more convenient, option is to teaching timetable. NQTs who have opted and meetings on days off? request a reimbursement of your PPA as an to work part-time will be on a reduced I AM a part-time teacher and do not always additional half-day/day later in the term. timetable until they have passed their work on days in which INSET, staff meetings This would enable you to work with induction period. or parent consultations fall. Do I need to your leadership team to find a solution. come in on my days off? Non-contact entitlement The working day of an NQT I am taking on a new role in management IF you are a part-time teacher and have I HAVE started my first teaching job this year, although the majority of my job still an all staff meeting or INSET scheduled this term. Do newly qualified teachers revolves around classroom teaching. Am I for a day in which you are not working, you (NQTs) have different duties to more entitled to any extra non-contact time? cannot be obligated to attend. The same experienced teachers? is true for departmental, key stage or other YES. All teachers with leadership and staff meetings as well as parent consultation NQTs share the same professional management responsibilities are entitled to evenings and open days. responsibilities as other qualified teachers in Leadership and Management Time (LMT). You may be asked to attend such schools, although their status entitles them This includes members of senior leadership meetings but you do not have to agree to to slightly more non-contact time than teams, subject and/or year leaders, key stage go. If you do agree to attend, you should be more experienced colleagues. leads, heads of departments and SENCOs. paid for the additional time worked. Full-time teachers, including NQTs, There is no minimum entitlement to If any of the above meetings are are contracted to work for a maximum of LMT, but the Union would expect schools scheduled at the end of a day on which 1,256 hours of directed time over the course to provide reasonable amounts of non- you normally work, you can be directed to of the academic year. However, NQTs are contact time, proportionate to the level of attend. The NEU advises that, in instances entitled to a teaching timetable equivalent responsibility your position entails. involving “trapped time” – for example, if a to no more than 90 per cent of the time LMT must be allocated in addition to part-time teacher only taught the morning other teachers without management PPA time, which stands at ten per cent (or session – such direction ought to be responsibilities spend in the classroom. more) of your teaching timetable. reasonable according to the circumstances.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 35 International Music to Cubans’ ears Sue Piper was part of the NUT’s delegation to Cuba in 2016. She writes about the importance of music in the country.

FROM the first day of our trip, we NEU conference, we are hoping noticed how important music is to to send a container of musical the Cuban way of life. instruments for schools. Music is an integral part of the You can help in three ways: curriculum within the country’s n Ask in schools if there are any free education system. Promising instruments no longer in use. We pupils can study at specialist music need donations of guitars, violins and arts schools and musical and other string instruments, tuition is available to all. drums, brass and woodwind. However, the ongoing US n Appeal to your local community, blockade means the government friends, family or bands. has to import instruments and n Raise money for the purchase of materials from other countries instruments. Talented young Cuban musicians at an increased cost. Next year at Visit playforcuba.org

NOTTINGHAM City NEU members staged a Remembering Srebrenica exhibition in July, to highlight the genocide that took place during the 1995 war in Bosnia. The display preceded a meeting with Rohingya, Rwandan and Bosnian survivors who gave testimony of experiences in their homelands. Former NUT section President Louise Regan (left) with Nottingham NEU members Young Champions making a difference

IT was a cold November evening when I rigorous application process, we were chosen as arrived for international solidarity training at Campaign Champions for 2018. Hamilton House. Since then, students have met with their The promise of learning how to bring local MP, visited the Houses of Parliament internationally minded content into my (pictured), taught sessions at local schools and classroom made me sacrifice the glories of a presented assemblies to their peers. quiet weekend in exchange for sessions on the So often, students are taught that charity dangers of stereotypes, managing controversial work is putting a coin in a bucket but this has issues and hearing from organisations such as shown that they can address global issues and the Foundation. let their voices be heard. After all, that is one of However, the greatest impact came from Each year, Send My Friend to School our major goals as educators – to prove to our Ema Jackson, who spoke to us about the Send chooses two students from ten schools across young people that they can make a difference. My Friend to School charity and how it was the UK to lead a national campaign on global If you’ve ever considered becoming using advocacy to fight the global crisis of 264 education. As a teacher from a small academy involved in the Union’s international solidarity million children being without access to quality in a Kentish village, I had no reason to believe work, I highly recommend it. education worldwide. that our children would be chosen. But after a By Nadia Ward

36 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 The NEU joined international allies in May to lobby the AGM of publishing firm Pearson, calling on it to end its support for Bridge Photo by Jess Hurd A Bridge too far

Words by Max Watson

POOR quality, inaccessible education Fees are “much higher than Bridge. What they’re doing is investing that most families can’t afford. That was implied by BIA in the media” and in companies that are taking a profit the damning conclusion of a report parents struggled to pay for food and from the poorest people in the world.” into private education provided by healthcare as a result. Those behind Christine Blower, European Bridge International Academies (BIA), with payments are excluded. Committee for Education one of the world’s largest education-for- (ETUCE) president, said: “Education profit companies. Exploiting children’s aspirations is a human and civil right and a public The National Education Union “Fees charged of some of the world’s good. It cannot be a for-profit activity (NEU): NUT section campaigns against poorest parents exploit the aspirations and it must be freely available to all the global privatisation of education – of pupils and undermine what is the young people, girls and boys.” particularly in the Global South. universal right to a free, high-quality Bridge vs Reality, a 2016 report public education,” said the report. We’re with Wilson by Education International (EI) and Bridge also operates in Uganda, At this year’s NUT section conference, Kenya National Union of Teachers Nigeria, India and Liberia. delegates heard from Wilson Sossion, (KNUT), was damning: “Far from To protest this trend, the NEU KNUT General Secretary, about his Fact file providing high-quality education at joined international allies in May to union’s campaign against privatisation The NEU is low cost to the most disadvantaged in lobby the AGM of publishing firm of education. affiliated to EI, the Kenya, BIA education is of poor quality, Pearson, calling on them to end their Last year, BIA began defamation global teacher trade is inaccessible for the very poor and support for Bridge. proceedings against the union and union federation students with special educational needs, Colleagues from EI and the Wilson personally, attempting to bar which represents and is unaffordable for most families.” American Federation of Teachers them from publicly discussing the over 30 million (AFT) joined the Union. The deputy operations of Bridge. educators and Unqualified teachers, high fees chair of Kenya’s Parliamentary “Wilson’s fight against Bridge is campaigns against Students are taught by “unqualified, Education Committee attended as our fight too,” Kevin said. privatisation of overworked teachers using teaching an observer. “We cannot, will not, and should education. Visit scripts (developed in the US) read Kevin Courtney, Joint General not be silenced. We will continue to unite4education. from tablets”. Infrastructure is “basic” Secretary of the NEU, said: “We’re support our colleagues in Kenya as the org for details. and “inadequate”. asking Pearson to disinvest from substantive case unfolds.”

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 37 Apps Websites

Classtree AN app for teachers Activity Village and schools to communicate with parents. Parents can be invited to join a class or group by email or SMS. Messages, including attachments, can then be sent to all members of the group. The interface of the app and accompanying web platform is simple and intuitive. Stuart Barton Free. Available on iOS and Android

Teacher Tapp A PLETHORA of resources for all age groups from key stages 1-5. PROFESSIONAL The easy-to-navigate website covers a variety of subjects with ready-to-use activities. online development The colouring and printable activities are not just suitable within the classroom; they make resources and perfect rainy day or half-term activities for parents to use with younger children. activities that Farrah Abbas Sheikh help educators activityvillage.co.uk and librarians address common questions about the use of technology in teaching and learning. Each project page focuses on an interesting topic and provides Ted Talks common questions, background information, useful websites and AN archive of more than 2,800 practical hands-on activities. There short, informative, engaging are four key areas: teacher resources, video lectures on topics from learning resources, collaboration and alternative energy to Zulu art, software utilities. and almost everything Paulette Watson in between. Free. Available on iOS and Android With videos ranging from two to 25 minutes in length, Couch to 5K there’s bound to be something RUNNING is widely relevant to your subject and considered to be age group. beneficial to both Stuart Barton physical and mental ted.com/talks health. If you’ve been meaning to take it up but don’t know where to start, the NHS’ Couch to 5K is for you. Do Yoga With Me It is designed to ease you into running from a complete beginner FREE online classes that vary to being able to run 5K without a in length from three minutes to break after a nine-week programme. over an hour. You’ll find plenty It takes you through a series of short of offerings for beginners and runs interspersed with walks, with some great topics for more the amount of running gradually advanced students, including increasing until you can run for half an arm balances and headstands, hour non-stop. in this practical yoga series Bessie Axford led by Fiji McAlpine, David Free, from nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch- Procyshyn and Jeff Lichty. to-5k.aspx Paulette Watson doyogawithme.com

38 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Books for teachers Kids’ books What’s Worrying You? My Anxiety Handbook ANXIETY is a AN easy-to-use book designed to take the fear out of common problem worries and help children learn that it’s alright to have faced by teenagers different emotions. and this book Twelve scenarios are explored, from worrying about positions itself as a being ill to when you get a new teacher. Each section handy survival guide. explores the feelings a child might have, what they are Explaining what thinking and how to handle difficult situations in a anxiety is and why positive way. people suffer from it, With a handy glossary of feelings and notes for this book offers practical suggestions for parents, this book will help children talk about the issues coping with stressful situations and case in their lives and help them cope with their daily worries in a practical way. studies that show other youngsters’ coping mechanisms. Sian Sparrow Cindy Shanks What’s Worrying You? by Molly Potter. Bloomsbury. £9.99 My Anxiety Handbook by Sue Knowles, Bridie Gallagher and Phoebe McEwen. Illustrated by Emmeline Pidgeon. Jessica Zaitoun Kingsley Publishers, £12.99 Apes to Zebras THIS is a cook book with a mission – to tell the story of THIS beautifully Palestinian life under occupation through cuisine. illustrated book Zaitoun: Recipes and Stories from the Palestinian provides a new take Kitchen introduces delicious recipes from Palestinians on shape poems living in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza strip. Yasmin – which describe Khan eloquently introduces the political context of the an object and are food by region. shaped the same From Jerusalem salads, soups from Nablus and as the object they Jenin, to main courses from Gaza and Bethlehem, this describe – playing around with their book has something for every occasion. form to great effect. Yasmin was a human rights campaigner before she As well as thoughtful words and turned to food and travel writing. She says: “The thread descriptions about apes and zebras, running through all my work is a fundamental belief that there are poems on butterflies, tigers humans, wherever we are in the world, have more to unite us than to divide us.” and a very clever one on bees. Zaitoun, which means olive in Arabic, is beautifully presented with travel Sian Sparrow photography by Palestinians Raya Manaa’ and Hosam Salem and stunning dishes Apes to Zebras by Liz Brownlee, photographed by Matt Russell. Sue Hardy-Dawson and Roger Stevens. Bessie Axford Bloomsbury, £12.99 Zaitoun: Recipes and Stories from the Palestinian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan. Bloomsbury. £26 Good Ideas giveaway THE Teacher has four copies of Good Ideas: How to Be Your Walking apart Child’s (and Your Own) Best Teacher SET in ’s beautiful Ribble Valley, this novel explores to give away. Written a couple’s complex 30-year relationship as they plan for their by our resident poet, retirement. David’s business sold a year ago and he can’t wait Michael Rosen, four to spend more time with his wife. But Helen, head teacher of a lucky readers will be large , won’t let go. She dreads losing her status selected at random to receive a free as the boss. copy of his acclaimed book on teaching It’s a story of love, stress, health and life-changing and parenting. Email your name and decisions. A captivating read from retired primary teacher address to [email protected] with Catherine Finch. GOOD IDEAS in the subject line, by Len Parkyn September 30. Walking Apart by Catherine Finch. Chaffinch Books. £7.99

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 39 Letters

Your moon memories The joys of a pension Ahead of his time I AM working on a documentary planned for FIFTY teachers, those at the start of their WHEN my father, BBC4’s Moon Moment series, scheduled teaching careers and older teachers looking Michael Birt (right), for next year to celebrate the 50th forward to retirement, gathered at Barking died recently I anniversary of the moon landings in 1969. Town Hall to hear Dr Nick Kirby, principal sifted through his Our film, The Moon and Me, is a social officer NEU: NUT section, give an excellent vast archive and history of the event, focusing on the impact seminar on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. discovered a piece it had on the British population. I’m trying to We learnt that, despite detrimental he’d written for the find personal archive and memories from changes to the scheme, with higher Teacher in 1965. people who watched the live broadcast – contributions from employees and the While I from children who were allowed to stay up all prospect of our young teachers working knew he had night for the first time, to adults who threw well into their 60s, it will be the cornerstone worked in the parties (and took pictures) or hired a bigger of our retirement. Solomon Islands, Fiji and Cyprus in the late TV from Radio Rentals for the occasion. The scheme provides a regular income, 50s and early 60s, as a district education We know that the moon landings the right to a tax-free lump sum payment at officer and headmaster of the government were a source of fascination for primary retirement, ill-health benefit and financial primary school in Honiara, the scale of his and secondary school children across the protection for your family and other writing about the difference between the country and that many schools ran special dependants after you die. teaching styles took me by surprise. projects to mark the occasion. Members were able to ask questions There are some fascinating insights Are there any retired teachers out there about the scheme and enjoyed a meal about the hunger of the Solomon Island who remember the work that they did, the together after the event. One of our children to learn. Discipline was rarely a children’s reactions, took any pictures or members commented: “I would definitely problem because an “awkward pupil would kept any of the work the children did? recommend people of any age to go. Don’t be sternly warned by his classmates”. He Any help would be gratefully received. just wait until you are in your 50s!” paints a colourful sense of a community Vanessa Frances-Georgianna, Susan Aitouaziz, assistant secretary, where parents would turn up to mow the Alleycats TV, 07760 165 360 Barking and Dagenham NEU grass and keep the building shipshape. It also illustrates how much the world of education has changed and the extreme Teacher’s pet pressures on teachers in 2018, compared to 1965. My dad seems to be urging other UK Meet Mary teachers to go to the Solomons if they felt their UK job was too “cosy”. MARY, the pony, is the On his return, dad became a lecturer teacher’s pet of member at St Paul’s and St Mary’s College in Rosalind Poller. Cheltenham, responsible for multicultural “I came to riding late in education. His diaries detail disturbing life,” she says. racist attacks on Gujarati students and the “Riding her around challenges Epping Forest is a real faced by contrast to inner London Nigerians teaching. studying in “She is brave and the UK. quirky and enjoys being Through walked round like a dog, as these papers, well as being ridden. And cuttings and she hates litter!” thousands of pages of n Email your high- research resolution picture, with notes, I’m 50 words about your pet, learning to [email protected] about my

40 The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 Please write The editor welcomes your letters but reserves the right to edit them. Write to: Letters, The Teacher, NEU: NUT section, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD or email [email protected] Letters for the November/December issue should reach us no later than 30 September. Please note we cannot print letters sent in without a name and postal address (or NUT membership number), although we can withhold details from publication if you wish.

father’s contribution to the education system and how ahead of his time he was. I’m so proud of what he achieved. Louise Birt The divisive 11-plus I HAVE mixed feelings in wanting to thank Michael Rosen for his poem, The 11-plus is coming back. It brought back bittersweet memories of my experiences 60 years ago. I passed, but Michael’s mention of his friend, Brian, who failed, reminded me of my own best friend at the time, Peter, who also “failed”. Consequently we were only together for a brief period after that and I have never seen him since. I wonder how many other friendships Star letter were broken up by that pernicious exam? Ian Hollingworth Teaching in a land Down Under I AM writing to tell you of my experiences of teaching in Australia – and why I am SEND provision suffering seeking to make a permanent move here. MY whole career has been SEN centred I ended up coming to Sydney to teach almost by accident – my partner was offered and I worked for 42 years as a teacher. a job with a four-year visa and initially we thought we would only want to stay here for We should not forget just how far that length of time. SEN(D) has come since the days of the But, for me, it has been a breath of fresh air to teach here. The emphasis on 1970 (Handicapped Children’s) Act and the teachers being the experts has highlighted for me how far we moved away from this groundbreaking Warnock Report (1978). in the UK. Education, health and care plans Most of my time in school since I started in January 2016 has been spent discussing (EHCps) have replaced statement of special teaching, learning and the most effective ways to make the curriculum engaging and need, moving-on plans, transition planning effective. We talk about student progress in relation to the actual individuals we teach, and protocols. EHCps are proving to be a not via targets and data and the pressure we transmit to particular students to jump powerful lever to access relevant resources through particular hoops. up to the age of 25. We talk about how to develop and strengthen certain skills for certain students Due to radical reduction in central and because it will help them become better learners, not because it will tick the boxes that local government funding, some authorities we, as an education community, are told that Ofsted wants us to tick. are failing in their statutory duties. I have I speak not as someone who left teaching in the UK because I was cynical and much anecdotal evidence that strongly bitter about it – I absolutely loved each school I taught in and the dedicated staff and suggests that some are writing EHCps to fantastic students. reflect what can be provided locally and not But I feel a sadness about what teaching had become in the last ten years before I what is actually required. left – especially in the obsession with narrow targets distorting our decisions as experts I am aware of primary schools being about what to teach and how to teach it. instructed not to start or engage in the Here I am really reminded of the high esteem that my first department head was EHCp process. And I know that some held in when I began in 1996 – he was seen as an authority on teaching English and his mainstream schools are being instructed to decisions about how the faculty should operate were respected by all within the school take additional SEN(D) learners when they and the wider education community. are not funded, resourced, provided with I see faculty leaders held in the same esteem here – and with that trust comes their training or have the specialist equipment expertise in adapting curriculum outcomes and assessment to the actual students in and skills essential to meet the needs of this front of them. cohort of learners. Trust and respect enable people to thrive – something I wish for all teachers. Dr Len Parkin, retired member, Moira (name withheld for visa purposes) East Sussex

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 41 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HOLIDAYS ABROAD

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DfE sex ed guidance: Holiday funds for women in need teachers’ conference THE Mary Macarthur Holiday Trust RELATIONSHIP and Sex Education provides financial assistance towards (RSE) in schools is changing. holidays for women in need of a period of The Sex Education Forum rest or holiday by reason of age, poverty, is holding a conference on 30 infirmity, disablement, or social or economic November to help guide teachers circumstances. through the new statutory RSE The trust was created in 1922 in memory legislation that is being introduced. of Ms Macarthur, the daughter of a draper The conference will help who helped form the National Federation of teachers choose the best resources Women Workers. and approaches to building an She promoted the concept of equal inclusive programme relevant to pay, conditions and employment rights for pupils’ real lives. It takes place in women, and her work led to the first national your local Union rep London and is supported by the minimum wage in the engineering industry. or visit mmht.org.uk National Education Union. It includes The trust continues today to pursue keynotes from leaders in the field, her ideals, providing financial assistance to (Above) Mary examples of good practice and advice enable women, without any realistic hope of Macarthur (also right) in response to questions on the day. a holiday, the possibility of enjoying a break addressing a strike It is open to all primary and in their working lives. meeting in Trafalgar secondary teachers leading or If you have someone in mind, contact Square, 1908 teaching PSHE/RSE, head teachers and deputies, pastoral staff, youth workers, school nurses and local authority RSE leads. Visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/ conference-countdown-to- statutory-rse-tickets-47220408513 Stay safe on the road EDUCATORS can now register for Road Safety Week 2018, which runs from 19-25 November. The UK’s largest road safety event, it involves thousands of nurseries, schools and colleges each year. Brake, the charity co-ordinating the event, provides lots of ideas on Filmmakers, reviewers, film clubs and educators are all invited to enter the awards promoting road safety. This year’s theme is Bike Smart. It’s a great chance for teachers, Spotlight on young film fans youth workers and early years educators to engage pupils of all ages SUBMISSIONS to the 2019 Into Film educators, and encourage children and in lessons and activities encouraging Awards are now open. young people to get involved. safe and responsible road use, and to The awards showcase young The awards are for ages five to 19, of all communicate important messages to filmmaking talent, with categories designed backgrounds and abilities, and submissions parents and the wider community. to highlight the pool of young creatives in are welcome until 14 December. Why not Free resources, guidance the UK. create your masterpiece and get your and action packs are available at They set out to find the most talented entries in? Check out intofilm.org/awards roadsafetyweek.org.uk filmmakers, reviewers, film clubs and for more information.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 45

Staffroom conf idential Reader’s rant After the love has gone LIKE most toxic relationships, I stayed longer than I should’ve. In the beginning, it was true romance. I was dedicated and emotionally invested. I got out what I put in and felt secure, valued and worthy. It had the makings for a lifetime of happiness and it brought out the best in me. For those first blissful years, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. But then things changed. At first, it was easy to ignore the signs. I’d say it was tiredness and blame myself for spending too much time together. My The Union’s communications team scooped four gongs at this year’s TUC weekends became filled with anxiety, Communication Awards. The Teacher was commended in the best membership trying to balance everything in my life. publication category and the NEU picked up awards in the best recruitment/new Goalposts began to change. Heads member, best designed and best digital membership categories too. Team members are turned at spritely new versions of me. I pictured with Deputy General Secretary Avis Gilmore (centre) at the ceremony. used to be like her, I’d think. I kept at it but things took their toll. I began to lose interest. My energy dipped, I lacked motivation. I didn’t get Desk yoga out of this what I was putting in and we disagreed on fundamentals. I resented Lunchtime exercise classes are out of reach for most that so much had changed between us. teachers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a few I found myself in a situation that I moves to help you stay flexible during the working day. didn’t know how to get out of. I wasn’t Here are three simple desk yoga poses to stretch your happy, but didn’t know what to do muscles and keep you alert. about it. We’d have our good days and I’d convince myself it was going to be OK. One or two weeks’ break and I’d feel ready to give it another go. Looking back, it was textbook. We were going in different directions and, as much as I tried, I was losing the fight. But I’m not talking about my marriage, thank goodness. I’m talking about my other relationship, the one I was in for ten years – my teaching career. They say teachers are married to our jobs. Well, sadly, we’ve parted ways although I hope to find happiness in something else as much as I did in those first few years. Palm tree Mountain pose with Standing neck stretch It’s a job that’s changed for the Sit upright in a chair. Raise cactus arms Stand up straight with your worse in my opinion. Unnecessary tasks your hands above your head Stand up straight with your feet together. Exhale and and unrealistic goalposts that do not and look straight ahead. back to a wall. Inhale and bring your right ear to your benefit children but merely tick boxes Interlock your fingers and raise your arms to a ‘cactus’ right shoulder. Stretch the for Government-led initiatives. turn your palms to face the position. Hold for a few left arm out to the side. I have fond memories, fabulous sky. Take a deep breath and seconds. Exhale and bring Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat friends and the knowledge I did my stretch your arms, shoulders your arms down. Repeat on the other side. Do the best. Sadly, teaching isn’t doing its best and chest upwards. Remain five times. whole cycle three times. for teachers. in this position for few Stephanie Dearlove thearthwritist.blog seconds. Repeat five times.

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 47 I AM SUPPORTING WEAR RED DAY

FRIDAY 19th OCTOBER 2018 #WRD18

x189540_SRTRC_p4_lh.indd 1 20/03/2018 09:47 Answers at bottom Crossword of this page

Across Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 Edwin ___ : English painter 1 ___ water: solution of calcium 8 of animals (8) hydroxide in water (4) 5 4,840 square yards (4) 2 ___ Peterson: Cheers character 9 10 9 Fragrant gum resin (5) played by George Wendt (4) 10 Oscar ___ : Irish writer & poet (5) 3 Musical comedy film starring

11 Podgorica is the capital of this Jack Black (6,2,4) 11 country (10) 4 Doctor ___ Brown: Back to the 14 ___ Mandela: former President Future character (6) 12 13 of South Africa (6) 6 Tyrannical Roman emperor 14 15 15 Wild cat native to South and from 37-41 (8) Central America (6) 7 Canine (3,5) 16 17 Fruit often used for making 8 Scottish Trainspotting actor (4,8) 17 jelly or wine (10) 12 Gillian ___ : X-Files actress (8)

20 Follower of Zeno’s school of 13 Plants of the iris family with 18 19 philosophy (5) sword-shaped leaves (8) 21 Government loan securities (5) 16 Italian city where one finds the 20 21 22 ___ Robertson: Australian Rialto Bridge (6) snooker player (4) 18 Large European mountain 23 US state whose capital is range (4) 22 23 Lincoln (8) 19 The largest continent (4) Across Down 1 - Edwin ___ : English painter of animals (8) 1 - ___ water: solution of calcium hydroxide in water (4) 5 - 4,840 square yards (4) 2 - ___ Peterson: Cheers character played by George Wendt (4) What's in your lunchbox?9 - Fragrant gum resin (5) 3 - Musical comedy film starring Jack Black (6,2,4) 10 - Oscar ___ : Irish writer and poet (5) 4 - Doctor ___ Brown: Back to the Future character (6) 11 - Podgorica is the capital of this country (10) 6 - Tyrannical Roman emperor from 37-41 (8) The holidays may be over but this recipe will bring14 - ___ Mandela: the former President of South Africa (6) Tabbouleh7 - Canine (3,5) Mediterranean sunshine back to your kitchen.15 -This Wild cat native simple to South and salad Central America (6) 8 - Scottish actor in Trainspotting (4,8) 17 - Fruit often used for making jelly or wine (10) 12 -Serves Gillian ___ : actress 4 in The X-Files (8) makes a great accompaniment to fish or falafel20 - Follower and of Zeno'sthe school leftovers of philosophy (5) 13 - Plants of the iris family with sword-shaped leaves (8) make a very good packed lunch. 21 - Government loan securities (5) 16 - Italian city where one finds the Rialto Bridge (6) 22 - ___ Robertson: Australian snooker player (4) 18 - Large European mountain range (4) This recipe comes from East London NEU member Imparta Mari, whose23 says - US state that whose although capital is theLincoln ingredients (8) are 19 - The largest continent (4) simple, try to get the freshest you can – and take time to chop everything really small to allow the flavours to mix properly. Ingredients tomatoes and spring onions, as finely as 5. Taste, adjusting lemon, olive oil, salt or possible. pepper to your choosing. Half a cup bulgar wheat 3. Squeeze the lemon, add olive oil, salt 6. For variations, add radishes, cucumbers, 1 big bunch flat leaf parsley and pepper. cos/little gem lettuce or other greens. 1 bunch fresh mint Always follow the golden rule of chopping 4. Mix all the ingredients up and leave to 1 cup chopped tomatoes everything fine. 4 chopped spring onions rest for 5-10 minutes. 7. Serve alongside hummus, olives, stuffed 1-2 lemons vine leaves, tzatziki, feta or grilled Halloumi A quarter cup olive oil or any other meze you like or are able to A few grinds of salt and pepper find. For special occasions, serve on large cos lettuce leaves. Method Imparta says that all ingredients are easily available in Middle Eastern shops, most 1. Cover the bulgar wheat with half a cup supermarkets or easy to grow in the garden. of boiling water. Wait till it’s absorbed the water, then taste. If it’s still hard, add a bit more boiling water. Email your recipe to [email protected] 2. Remove the hard stalks from the with LUNCHBOX in the strap line. Don’t

herbs and chop them, along with the forget to attach a picture!

19 18 ASIA. ALPS Crossword solution

16 13 12 8 7 6 4 3 2 1 Down VENICE GLADIOLI ANDERSON MCGREGOR EWAN TOOTH EYE CALIGULA EMMETT ROCK OF SCHOOL NORM LIME

23 22 21 20 17 15 14 11 10 9 5 1 Across NEBRASKA. NEBRASKA. NEIL GILTS STOIC ELDERBERRY OCELOT NELSON MONTENEGRO WILDE MYRRH ACRE LANDSEER

The Teacher: Sept/Oct 2018 49 ‘Manning up’ harms us all Backbeat

Words by Michael Conroy

AS educators, we aim to support have sons. Most of you will teach rules of the ‘man-box’ can be young people in navigating boys or young men. You may have internalised as a yardstick by which pathways to healthy and happy daughters or sons who will have young men may judge others adulthood. But across all phases relationships with men who were and themselves. we face ever greater pressure to told to ‘man up’ and took it to heart. The corrective language demonstrate success in numerically We all therefore have a stake used in that process of policing quantifiable ways – from SATs to in asking ourselves what we mean, and judging is revealing: girl, gay, graduate earnings. exactly, when we punitively invoke woman, bitch and a hundred Are we reaching our potential the idea of ‘manning up’. unprintable variants that show how in enabling young people to unpick society best hurts a boy or man – and resist harmful social influences The ‘man-box’ by associating him with women or that could jeopardise bright futures Boys navigate a world in which they what culture deems ‘feminine’. on a personal level – influences, are valued for being ‘not like girls’. This only teaches boys and Fact file for example, that can shape beliefs It might seem stark, but evidence young men that we, as males, have Michael has about the relative value of men is abundant. a higher value than females, and worked in and women? In sessions talking with boys, this can cost human relationships secondary young men and staff who support dearly over a lifetime. education for 14 ‘Man up’ them, I ask what are the ingredients years. His work A Twitter poll I ran asked teachers if of being a man that we have all Men can be anything includes delivering they’d challenge a colleague using soaked up from culture in our All educators working with boys dialogue-based the expression ‘man up’ or ‘grow a lifetimes? The films, jokes, fairy from early years to adulthood help programmes with pair’ either to, or about, students. tales, photos, lyrics, video games, shape the men they become. young men and Seventy per cent said they’d birthday cards, ‘banter’ and insults. Men can be anything. training staff who ‘respectfully challenge it’, nine per Responses are broadly uniform Nurturers and carers, examples work with them. cent said ‘no big deal, ignore it’, regardless of setting. Be in control. of gentle fortitude, warmth and He has recorded 16 per cent would ‘wince, but say Provide. Be tough. No tears. Don’t emotional openness. Or closed a TEDx Youth nothing’ and five per cent chose an ask for help. Be sexually active packages, fearful of vulnerability, Talk and was an un-elaborated ‘other’. (straight). Don’t be emotional. refusing to ask for help and seeing expert contributor That’s 30 per cent who Protect. The worst answer I recall women as props to our masculinity. to the Women & wouldn’t challenge – a troubling was: “don’t be too gentle”. As adults engaging in Equalities Select chunk. Many may well ask, why These responses characterise respectful dialogue, we can aim to Committee in should we challenge it? The answer the thrust of the collective be unique blends of the former and Parliament on the is that it matters. socialisation of males through hopefully reduce harms that can causes of sexual I’m a man. You may be too. Or masculinity – AKA the ‘man-box’. flow from the latter. We have to talk harassment. in a relationship with one and/or These widely perceived with our boys. Apply now for 2019!

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A4_Teacher_Education_Press_Ad.indd 1 21/08/2018 10:02 High hopes for independent Estyn review Spotlight on Carmarthenshire Getting Behaviour Right course First NEU Wales Policy Conference set for October Training dates Pupil restraint and safeguarding TEACHERSINWALES

Issue 60 autumn term 2018 Education on the agenda at youth festival

NEW and old friends gathered at the is a great opportunity for us to engage annual Urdd National Eisteddfod at the with parents and young people on what Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells education means to them. this year. The National Education Union (NEU) Our role shaping the future of education had a stall at the week-long event – the “This was especially important as this was largest youth festival in Europe. The Union our first year at the Eisteddfod as the newly was joined by Show Racism the Red Card, formed National Education Union. We the UK’s leading anti-racism educational were able to discuss the huge benefits charity, which gave away wristbands, that we will have on shaping the future of stickers and posters of football teams. education in Wales.” Find out more about the work of Young stars of the show Show Racism the Red Card in Wales at There were two main attractions on the theredcard.org/wales stall this year. A drawing competition held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday attracted more than 100 entries – the overall winner was Chloe Wright from Ysgol Bro Idris in Dolgellau. The other was Show Racism the Red Card’s Keepie Uppie competition, where winner Harvey Morris managed an impressive 86 keepie uppies – winning a football signed by the Wales Euro 2016 squad. NEU Cymru principal officer Stuart Williams said: “With tens of thousands of Chloe Wright from Ysgol Bro Idris in Dolgellau was attendees, the Urdd National Eisteddfod the overall winner of the drawing competition

Harvey Morris, winner of the Keepie Uppie Cai Jones and Glesni Jones get ready to greet visitors to the Urdd Eisteddfod competition, with his prize

Teachers in Wales: autumn term 2018 1 News Register online for your pension update FOR nearly two years, Teachers Pensions has not been sending out annual benefit statements to members of the scheme. Therefore, it’s very important that members register on the Teachers Pensions website so that they can access up-to-date benefit statements Dates for your diary and receive their annual statement TRAINING FOR REPS TRAINING FOR TEACHERS electronically. One- and three-day courses for all new The registration process is very Intermediate part 1 Welsh and existing school reps, giving them 22-23 September – Future Inn, Cardiff simple. Just visit teacherspensions. the tools and confidence to make a real co.uk and click on Member difference to members’ lives. Intermediate part 2 Welsh Registration. To complete the 1-2 December – Future Inn, Cardiff process, you’ll need to have your Protecting you and your Teachers Pensions reference number members in the classroom Intermediate part 3 Welsh and your National Insurance number 21 September – The Bear Hotel, 26-27 January, 2019 – Future Inn, Cardiff at hand. Cowbridge Ensure you keep your monthly n Mindfulness taster sessions are salary slips, or at least your P60s, Foundation being organised for the autumn term in especially if you’ve transferred 3-5 October – The Bear Hotel, Carmarthen, Caerphilly and Cardiff. Cowbridge over to the Career Average scheme. n To help members develop their digital These can then be used as evidence Advanced competence, weekend workshops will of your annual salary if you notice 10-11 October – The Village Hotel, be organised during the autumn and any discrepancies in your benefits. Swansea spring terms. Discrepancies need to be resolved quickly as these figures are used to Employment law TRAINING FOR SUPPLY TEACHERS calculate your pension benefits. 27 November – NEU Office, Cardiff First aid at work For more information visit 30 October-1 November – Future Inn, teachers.org.uk and click on Pay, If you’re interested in becoming a Cardiff Pensions & Conditions. school rep and attending one of the above, email [email protected] n Several accredited online courses Recruiting student including food hygiene and health & Reps are legally entitled to attend safety at work will also be available to teachers at uni days these courses and the Union will supply teacher members. NEU CYMRU is visiting all Welsh support any rep that has difficulties universities this term, to recruit new getting time off work to attend. If you’re interested in any of the above, student teachers to the Union. email [email protected] It is also delivering lectures including “How to stay safe on social Check your email inbox for information on the latest training opportunities. media” to trainees. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/neucymrutraining, follow us on Twitter at A range of topics have been @neucymrutrain and visit teachers.org.uk/learning brought up and discussed by the students at the universities so far visited this term, with the devolution of pay and conditions to the Welsh Restraining a pupil: the legalities Government being the most popular. Student membership is free, A GOOD employer should provide staff the skills to do so appropriately. and newly qualified teachers can training on restraint and safeguarding. But The Education Workforce Council will get a year’s full membership for the Union is aware that there are a good be providing guidance to teachers and the just £1. number who do not. Union will continue to support members To find out more about both As a result, many find themselves in faced with these difficult situations. offers, visitneu.org.uk/join/ situations where they may be called upon Our advice is to push for and attend membership-rates to intervene and restrain a pupil but not training on restraint, make sure you are be acquainted with the legal framework familiar with your school’s policies and know for lawful restraint or be confident of having where to go for help.

2 Teachers in Wales: autumn term 2018 Warm welcome for Prof’s Estyn review

NEU Cymru has welcomed the publication wanted the new curriculum to succeed and of Professor Graham Donaldson’s “We welcome the it was of vital importance that practitioners independent review of Estyn, the school’s positive impact the were provided with every assistance to inspectorate in Wales. secure that aim. His recommendations, if accepted recommendations “Inspection can be a stressful time for and implemented, will represent a seismic education professionals,” said David Evans, shift in the school inspection arrangements could have on our Wales Secretary. “We welcome these in Wales, which will be welcomed by the education system” announcements and the potential positive profession as it wrestles with ambitious impact the recommendations could have educational reforms already underway. David Evans, Wales Secretary on our education system. We have long In particular, the Union notes concerns pushed for self-evaluation for the schools’ about the high stakes accountability sector in Wales, and Professor Donaldson's measures that have caused significant inspection as inspectors, schools and other recommendations could help make this pressures since being imposed on schools key stakeholders learn about, develop and a reality. in 2011. implement the new curriculum. “We look forward to working with Estyn A welcome recommendation is the The National Education Union (NEU) and the Welsh Government to take these proposal for a moratorium on formal strongly pressed for this. It has always recommendations forward.”

and street stalls and public meetings Spotlight on… highlighting the impact of cuts on Carmarthenshire children’s futures. “It’s been a significant challenge THE Carmarthenshire Division has seen taking on the role but one which has a big increase in membership since the given me a lot of satisfaction,” Jason creation of the NEU. Dickinson told Teachers in Wales. Joint division secretaries Jason “We have a great core team and Dickinson and Tina Bowen took over take pride in the support that we can in June 2014, inheriting a strong, offer members. It’s really pleasing to see active division led for many years by more people getting actively involved. June Jenkins. “We’re in a very healthy situation to Jason Dickinson, Emyr Brown and Kate James fight for our members over the coming Balance between serious and social run a street stall on school funding school year.” The division meets termly but has extra meetings if need arises. Events are there has been a marked increase in the Strength in numbers – so join in spread around Carmarthenshire to allow number of school reps attending the While the meetings are well attended, all members the chance of going. They Foundation Reps course. This has helped Jason is keen to get as many members are well attended and enjoyable, with to increase the strength of the division. involved as possible. the right balance struck between serious There have also been challenges “Although we’re strong, we can be and social. in the county, notably school stronger with more members engaged, New members become regular funding and the associated threat of trained and prepared to challenge attendees and active reps. And members redundancies. The division has been unnecessary workload and unfair from nearby divisions often attend to very active in fighting these cuts through treatment,” he said. share experiences and common issues. lobbying AMs and county council To get involved, email jason. Since the new Union was formed, meetings, writing to the local press, [email protected]

Sunshine and smiles at the Eisteddfod THE NEU stand at this summer’s National campaign on devolution of pay and Eisteddfod in Cardiff was a whirlwind of conditions to Wales. activity, welcoming many guests and She supported the Union’s call NEU members. to ensure that the First Minister make One of the guests visiting was Labour good on his promise “that there is no MP for Cardiff Central Jo Stevens (pictured question – no question at all – of teachers with Stuart Williams), who pledged in Wales being paid less than teachers her support for NEU Cymru’s ongoing in England”.

Teachers in Wales: autumn term 2018 3 Here to help Setting the agenda for Wales AS the largest teachers’ union, NEU THE key issues affecting education and Cymru (NUT section) is able to offer those who work in it will be debated at the members an unrivalled service. National Education Union’s (NEU) first Our professional team is here to Wales Policy Conference. provide expertise to our network of Taking place from 20-21 October, at school and college representatives Celtic Manor in Newport, the event will and local association and division allow members to set the agenda for the secretaries. Union’s work over the coming year. If you have a problem at work or Over 100 delegates will attend from want to know more about member every local authority in Wales. During services, contact: the Saturday session, delegates will be Kirsty Williams and David Evans n your school or college addressed by Cabinet Secretary for representative; Education Kirsty Williams AM, who will 3-19 schools, supply teaching and funding. n your association or division update members on her vision for the Wales Secretary David Evans said: “This secretary; sector as well as hearing their views on the is really exciting for the Union in Wales. challenges they face. “A conference to allow Welsh n NEU Cymru (NUT section) office. Key motions include the role members to set policy on devolved issues of regional education consortia, the will really help put the expertise and NEU CYMRU implementation of a new curriculum, experience of members at the heart of (NUT section) workload, pay and conditions, child poverty, our agenda.” Ty Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ Tel: 029 2049 1818 Fax: 029 2049 2491 Rave review for behaviour course Email: [email protected] TWO days training on the Union’s Getting Julia Brice, who Behaviour Right course in Cardiff and attended the Wales Secretary: David Evans Julia Brice went home filled with “belief, Union's Getting Wales Officers: Gareth Lloyd, Debbie positivity and excitement“ – keen to try out Behaviour Right Scott, Dilwyn Griffiths her newly learned techniques. course in Cardiff Principal Officer – Organising & “BACK to school with a bump today, or so Communications: Stuart Williams I thought. However, everyone was asking North Wales Organiser: Cai Jones how the course went and I couldn’t wait to Wales Solicitor: Angharad Booker share (so unlike me!). Executive members: Neil Foden, “Every time someone asked, I told Angela Jardine, Beth Davies them about three brilliant guys who full up with belief, positivity and excitement delivered one of the best courses I’ve coming home yesterday. ever attended. “Thank you. I just wanted to express my HEAD OFFICE “I smiled and smiled as I repeated appreciation and let you know that, even National Education Union: mantras and explained strategies, tips if I do nothing more with all the wonderful NUT section, Hamilton House, and tricks. stuff you have given me, today a very Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD “Late morning, as often happens, one unhappy little boy smiled from ear to ear of our less happy young pupils was sent and said: ‘I'm quite clever, aren’t I?’“ Tel: 020 7388 6191 with work to me. Julia Brice, Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School, 020 7387 8458 Fax: “The fire in him was raging. I grounded Beddau RCT Website: neu.org.uk my feet, breathed deeply, got down to eye President: Kiri Tunks level, set my boundaries and applied “liberal Joint amounts of water”. “I wanted to General “By session end, I had eight, well- express my Secretary: constructed and neatly written sentences Kevin – previously rivalled by pages and pages of appreciation. Courtney doodles and nothingness. “He felt amazing and that was really Just for today, it good for everyone. “I know it won’t always work like this, felt like I had a but, just for today, it felt like I had a magic magic wand“ wand, in the same way it felt magic to be so

4 Teachers in Wales: autumn term 2018 Yr adolygiad annibynnol o Estyn yn rhoi gobaith Cipolwg ar Sir Gâr Cwrs Ymddygiad Cynhadledd Bolisi gyntaf NEU Cymru fis Hydref Dyddiadau hyfforddiant Atal a diogelu disgyblion ATHRAWONCYMRU

Rhifyn 60 Tymor yr Hydref 2018 Addysg ar yr agenda yn yr Urdd

DAETH cyfeillion hen a newydd ynghyd yn yr Urdd yn gyfle da inni ymwneud â rhieni a Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd ar Faes y phobl ifanc a chanfod yr hyn y mae addysg Sioe Frenhinol yn Llanelwedd eleni. yn ei olygu iddyn nhw. Roedd gan yr Undeb Addysg Cenedlaethol stondin yn y digwyddiad Ein gwaith yn llywio dyfodol addysg wythnos o hyd, sef yr wˆyl ieuenctid fwyaf “Roedd hyn yn arbennig o bwysig gan yn Ewrop. Yno gyda’r Undeb roedd Dangos mai hon oedd ein blwyddyn gyntaf yn y Cerdyn Coch i Hiliaeth, prif elusen yr Eisteddfod ar ffurf yr Undeb Addysg addysgol gwrth-hiliaeth y Deyrnas Unedig, Cenedlaethol newydd. Roedd modd inni a oedd yn rhoi bandiau arddwrn, sticeri a drafod y manteision mawr a fydd yn deillio o’n phosteri o dimau pêl-droed am ddim. gwaith i lywio dyfodol addysg yng Nghymru.” Mae mwy o wybodaeth am Dangos Sêr ifanc y sioe y Cerdyn Coch i Hiliaeth yng Nghymru ar Roedd dau atyniad o bwys ar y stondin gael yn theredcard.org/wales eleni. Cynhaliwyd cystadleuaeth tynnu llun ddydd Llun, ddydd Mawrth a dydd Mercher, gan ddenu dros 100 o gynigion. Yr enillydd oedd Chloe Wright o Ysgol Bro Idris yn Nolgellau. Y llall oedd cystadleuaeth rheoli pêl yn yr awyr, a honno wedi’i threfnu gan Dangos y Cerdyn Coch i Hiliaeth. Yr enillydd oedd Harvey Morris, a lwyddodd i reoli’r bêl 86 gwaith, gan ennill pêl a lofnodwyd gan garfan Ewro 2016 Cymru. Meddai Stuart Williams, Prif Swyddog NEU Cymru: “Gyda degau o filoedd yn Chloe Wright o Ysgol Bro Idris yn Nolgellau oedd bresennol, mae Eisteddfod Genedlaethol prif enillydd y gystadleuaeth tynnu llun

Harvey Morris, enillydd y gystadleuaeth cadw pêl Cai Jones a Glesni Jones yn paratoi i gyfarch ymwelwyr yn Eisteddfod yr Urdd yn yr awyr, gyda’i wobr

Athrawon Cymru: Tymor yr Hydref 2018 1 Newyddion Cofrestrwch ar-lein i gael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am eich pensiwn ERS bron i ddwy flynedd, nid yw Teachers Pensions wedi bod yn anfon datganiadau blynyddol i aelodau’r cynllun. Gan hynny, mae’n bwysig iawn bod aelodau’n cofrestru ar wefan Teachers Dyddiadau i’ch dyddiadur Pensions er mwyn cael y datganiadau diweddaraf a chael eu datganiad HYFFORDDIANT I GYNRYCHIOLWYR HYFFORDDIANT I ATHRAWON blynyddol yn electronig. Mae cyrsiau hyfforddiant un diwrnod Canolraddol rhan 1 Cymraeg Mae’r broses gofrestru yn syml a thri diwrnod yr Undeb i bob 22-23 Medi – Future Inn, Caerdydd iawn. Ewch i teacherspensions.co.uk cynrychiolydd ysgol – yn newydd a hen a chlicio ar ‘Member Registration’. Er – yn rhoi’r adnoddau a’r hyder iddyn Canolraddol rhan 2 Cymraeg mwyn cwblhau’r broses, bydd angen nhw wneud gwir wahaniaeth i fywydau 1-2 Rhagfyr – Future Inn, Caerdydd eich cyfeirnod Teachers Pensions aelodau. Canolraddol rhan 3 Cymraeg arnoch a bydd angen eich rhif Yswiriant 26-27 Ionawr, 2019 – Future Inn, Caerdydd Eich diogelu’ch hun a’ch aelodau Gwladol wrth law. n Mae sesiynau blasu ar ymwybyddiaeth Cofiwch gadw eich slipiau yn yr ystafell ddosbarth 21 Medi – Gwesty’r Bear, Y Bont-faen ofalgar yn cael eu trefnu yn nhymor yr cyflog misol, neu o leiaf eich P60, hydref yng Nghaerfyrddin, Caerffili a yn enwedig os ydych chi wedi Sylfaen Chaerdydd. trosglwyddo i’r cynllun Cyfartaledd 3-5 Hydref – Gwesty’r Bear, Y Bont-faen Gyrfa. Gellir defnyddio’r rhain fel n I helpu aelodau ddatblygu eu tystiolaeth o’ch cyflog blynyddol os Sylfaen cymhwysedd digidol, bydd gweithdai bydd unrhyw anghysondeb yn eich 10-11 Hydref – Gwesty’r Village, Abertawe penwythnos yn cael eu trefnu yn ystod buddion. Mae angen datrys unrhyw tymor yr hydref a thymor y gwanwyn. anghysondebau’n gyflym gan mai’r Cyfraith cyflogaeth 27 Tachwedd – Swyddfa’r NEU, Caerdydd HYFFORDDIANT I ATHRAWON ffigurau hyn sy’n cael eu defnyddio i CYFLENWI gyfrifo’r buddion o’ch pensiwn. Cymorth cyntaf yn y gwaith Ewch i teachers.org.uk a chlicio ar Os oes diddordeb gennych chi mewn ‘Pay, Pensions & Conditions’. 30 Hydref – 1 Tachwedd – Future Inn, bod yn gynrychiolydd ysgol a mynd ar Caerdydd un o’r cyrsiau uchod, anfonwch e-bost n Recriwtio athrawon at [email protected] Bydd nifer o gyrsiau ar-lein achrededig hefyd ar gael i aelodau sy’n athrawon sy’n fyfyrwyr mewn Mae gan gynrychiolwyr hawl cyflenwi, gan gynnwys hylendid bwyd ac prifysgolion gyfreithiol i fynd ar y cyrsiau hyn a iechyd a diogelwch yn y gwaith. bydd yr Undeb yn helpu unrhyw un BYDD NEU Cymru yn ymweld â holl sy’n cael problemau wrth geisio sicrhau Os hoffech chi fynd ar unrhyw un o’r brifysgolion Cymru y tymor hwn, er amser i ffwrdd o’r gwaith i fod yn cyrsiau uchod, anfonwch e-bost at mwyn recriwtio athrawon sy’n fyfyrwyr bresennol. [email protected] i’r Undeb. Bydd hefyd yn rhoi darlithoedd, Cadwch olwg ar eich e-bost i weld gwybodaeth am y cyfleoedd hyfforddiant gan gynnwys darlith am sut i fod yn diweddaraf. Hoffwch ni ar Facebook yn facebook.com/neucymrutraining, ddiogel ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol, i dilynwch ni ar Twitter drwy @neucymrutrain ac ewch i teachers.org.uk/learning hyfforddeion. Mae myfyrwyr yn y prifysgolion yr ymwelwyd â hwy hyd yma wedi codi a thrafod nifer o bynciau, a datganoli Atal disgybl: y sefyllfa gyfreithiol cyflogau ac amodau i Lywodraeth DYLAI cyflogwr da roi hyfforddiant i staff sgiliau i wneud hyn yn iawn. Cymru oedd y mwyaf poblogaidd. ynghylch atal a diogelu. Ond mae’r Undeb Bydd Cyngor y Gweithlu Addysg yn Mae modd i fyfyrwyr ymaelodi yn ymwybodol nad yw nifer yn gwneud hyn. rhoi canllawiau i athrawon a bydd yr Undeb am ddim, a gall athrawon newydd O ganlyniad, mae sawl un mewn yn parhau i gefnogi aelodau sy’n wynebu’r gymhwyso gael aelodaeth blwyddyn sefyllfa lle bydd angen iddyn nhw ymyrryd sefyllfaoedd anodd hyn. am ddim ond £1. ac atal disgybl ond na fyddan nhw’n Ein cyngor ni yw y dylech alw am Ewch i neu.org.uk/join/ gyfarwydd â’r fframwaith cyfreithiol ar gyfer hyfforddiant ar atal a mynd i’r hyfforddiant membership-rates atal disgyblion yn gyfreithlon, neu efallai na hwnnw, gan ymgyfarwyddo â pholisïau eich fyddan nhw’n hyderus bod ganddyn nhw’r ysgol a gwybod ble i gael cymorth.

2 Athrawon Cymru: Tymor yr Hydref 2018 Croeso gwresog i adolygiad yr Athro o Estyn

MAE NEU Cymru wedi croesawu Bu’r Undeb Addysg Cenedlaethol yn cyhoeddi adolygiad annibynnol yr Athro “Rydym yn galw ers tro am hyn. Mae’r Undeb wastad Graham Donaldson o Estyn, arolygiaeth croesawu’r effaith wedi bod yn awyddus i’r cwricwlwm newydd ysgolion Cymru. lwyddo, ac roedd yn hollbwysig bod Bydd ei argymhellion, o’u derbyn gadarnhaol ymarferwyr yn cael pob cymorth i gyflawni’r a’u gweithredu, yn arwain at newid nod hwnnw. pellgyrhaeddol yn y trefniadau i arolygu y gallai’r “Fe all arolygiadau fod yn gyfnod anodd ysgolion yng Nghymru, a bydd y proffesiwn argymhellion ei i weithwyr addysg proffesiynol,” meddai yn croesawu’r rhain wrth ddygymod â’r David Evans, Ysgrifennydd Cymru. “Rydym diwygiadau uchelgeisiol i’r byd addysg sydd chael ar ein system yn croesawu’r cyhoeddiadau hyn a’r effaith eisoes ar y gweill. gadarnhaol bosibl y gallai’r argymhellion Yn benodol, mae’r Undeb yn nodi’r addysg” ei chael ar ein system addysg. Rydym wedi pryderon am y camau atebolrwydd gyda David Evans, Ysgrifennydd Cymru galw ers tro am hunanwerthuso yn y sector llawer yn y fantol. Camau yw’r rhain sydd ysgolion yng Nghymru, a gallai argymhellion wedi rhoi ysgolion o dan bwysau sylweddol yr Athro Donaldson helpu yn hyn o beth. ers cael eu cyflwyno yn 2011. wrth i arolygwyr, ysgolion a rhanddeiliaid “Rydym yn edrych ymlaen at weithio Un o’r argymhellion sydd i’w croesawu pwysig eraill ddysgu am y cwricwlwm gydag Estyn a Llywodraeth Cymru i fwrw yw’r cynnig i roi moratoriwm ar arolygu ffurfiol newydd, ei ddatblygu a’i roi ar waith. ymlaen â’r argymhellion hyn.”

cyhoeddus sy’n dangos effaith y toriadau Cipolwg ar… Sir Gâr ar ddyfodol plant. MAE Adran Sir Gâr wedi gweld cynnydd “Mae gwneud y swydd wedi bod yn mawr yn ei haelodaeth ers creu’r NEU. her sylweddol ond mae wedi rhoi llawer Cymerodd Jason Dickinson a Tina o foddhad i mi,” meddai Jason Dickinson Bowen, cyd-ysgrifenyddion yr adran, wrth Athrawon yng Nghymru. yr awenau ym mis Mehefin 2014, gan “Mae gennym dîm craidd gwych ac etifeddu adran gref a gweithgar yr oedd rydym yn ymfalchïo yn y cymorth y gallwn June Jenkins wedi’i harwain am nifer ei gynnig i aelodau. Mae’n braf iawn o flynyddoedd. gweld mwy o bobl yn bod yn weithgar. “Rydyn ni mewn sefyllfa iach iawn Cydbwysedd rhwng y difrif a’r Jason Dickinson, Emyr Brown a Kate James a’u er mwyn brwydro dros ein haelodau yn y cymdeithasol stondin stryd ar gyllid ysgolion flwyddyn ysgol nesaf.” Mae’r adran yn cyfarfod bob tymor ond mae’n cynnal cyfarfodydd ychwanegol Ers creu’r Undeb newydd, bu Cryfder mewn niferoedd – felly ymunwch os bydd angen. Mae’r digwyddiadau’n cynnydd mawr yn nifer y cynrychiolwyr Er bod llawer o bobl yn mynychu’r cael eu trefnu ledled Sir Gâr er mwyn rhoi ysgolion sy’n mynd ar y cwrs sylfaen i cyfarfodydd, mae Jason yn awyddus i cyfle i bob aelod fod yn bresennol. Maen gynrychiolwyr. Mae hyn wedi helpu i sicrhau bod cynifer o aelodau â phosibl nhw’n denu llawer o aelodau ac yn ddifyr, gryfhau’r adran. yn cyfrannu. gyda chydbwysedd iawn rhwng y difrif a’r Bu heriau yn y sir hefyd, yn bennaf “Er ein bod mewn sefyllfa gref, cymdeithasol. cyllid ysgolion a’r bygythiad cysylltiedig fe allwn gryfhau eto o gael rhagor o Mae aelodau newydd yn mynychu’n o ddiswyddiadau. Mae’r adran wedi aelodau yn cyfrannu, a’r rheini wedi’u rheolaidd ac yn dod yn gynrychiolwyr bod yn weithgar iawn wrth frwydro yn hyfforddi ac yn barod i herio baich gwaith gweithgar. Ac mae aelodau o adrannau erbyn y toriadau hyn drwy lobïo Aelodau dianghenraid a thriniaeth annheg,” cyfagos yn aml yn bresennol er mwyn Cynulliad ac yng nghyfarfodydd y cyngor meddai. rhannu profiadau a thrafod materion sir, drwy ysgrifennu at y wasg leol, a thrwy I gyfrannu, anfonwch e-bost at cyffredin. drefnu stondinau stryd a chyfarfodydd [email protected]

Heulwen haf yn yr Eisteddfod ROEDD stondin yr NEU yn yr Eisteddfod Williams). Addawodd gefnogi ymgyrch Genedlaethol yng Nghaerdydd eleni yn barhaus NEU Cymru ynghylch datganoli fwrlwm o weithgarwch, a chroesawyd nifer o cyflogau ac amodau i Gymru. westeion ac aelodau’r NEU i’r babell. Cefnogodd hi alwad yr Undeb i sicrhau Un o’r gwesteion niferus a ddaeth heibio bod Prif Weinidog Cymru yn glynu wrth ei oedd Jo Stevens, Aelod Seneddol Llafur addewid na fyddai athrawon Cymru ar unrhyw dros Ganol Caerdydd (yn y llun gyda Stuart gyfrif yn cael cyflog is nag athrawon yn Lloegr.

Athrawon Cymru: Tymor yr Hydref 2018 3 Yma i helpu Gosod yr agenda i Gymru

FEL yr undeb athrawon mwyaf, mae BYDD y materion pwysig sy’n effeithio ar modd i NEU Cymru (Adran NUT) roi addysg a gweithwyr addysg yn cael eu trafod gwasanaeth heb ei ail i’w aelodau. yng Nghynhadledd Bolisi gyntaf yr Undeb Mae ein tîm proffesiynol yma i Addysg Cenedlaethol yng Nghymru. roi arbenigedd i’n rhwydwaith Mae’r digwyddiad i’w gynnal ar o gynrychiolwyr mewn ysgolion 20 a 21 Hydref, yn y Celtic Manor yng a cholegau ac i ysgrifenyddion Nghasnewydd, a bydd yn gyfle i aelodau cymdeithasau ac adrannau lleol. osod yr agenda ar gyfer gwaith yr Undeb Os oes gennych chi broblem yn y dros y flwyddyn sydd i ddod. gwaith neu i gael rhagor o wybodaeth Bydd dros 100 o gynrychiolwyr yn Kirsty Williams a David Evans am ein gwasanaethau i aelodau, bresennol o bob awdurdod lleol yng cysylltwch â’r canlynol: Nghymru. Yn ystod sesiwn dydd Sadwrn, newydd, baich gwaith, cyflogau ac amodau, bydd Kirsty Williams AC, Ysgrifennydd tlodi plant, ysgolion 3-19, athrawon cyflenwi n eich cynrychiolydd yn yr ysgol y Cabinet dros Addysg, yn annerch y a chyllido. neu’r coleg; cynrychiolwyr, gan eu diweddaru am ei Dywedodd David Evans, Ysgrifennydd n ysgrifennydd eich cymdeithas gweledigaeth ar gyfer y sector yn ogystal â Cymru: “Mae hyn yn gyffrous iawn i’r neu’ch adran; chlywed eu sylwadau am yr heriau y maen Undeb yng Nghymru. Bydd cynhadledd n Swyddfa NEU Cymru (Adran NUT). nhw’n eu hwynebu. sy’n galluogi aelodau Cymru i greu polisi Mae cynigion allweddol yn cynnwys ar faterion datganoledig yn helpu i sicrhau NEU CYMRU cynigion ynghylch rôl y consortia addysg bod arbenigedd a phrofiad aelodau yn rhanbarthol, gweithredu’r cwricwlwm ganolog i’n hagenda. (Adran NUT) Ty Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Caerdydd CF24 5PJ Ffôn: 029 2049 1818 Adolygiad gwych i gwrs ymddygiad Ffacs: 029 2049 2491 AR ôl deuddydd yn hyfforddi ar gwrs Julia Brice, a E-bost: [email protected] ymddygiad yr Undeb yng Nghaerdydd, aeth ar gwrs aeth Julia Brice gartref yn teimlo “ffydd, ymddygiad Ysgrifennydd Cymru: David Evans positifrwydd a chyffro” – ac yn awyddus i yr Undeb yng Nghaerdydd Swyddogion Cymru: Gareth Lloyd, roi’r technegau newydd yr oedd hi wedi’u Debbie Scott, Dilwyn Griffiths dysgu ar waith. Prif Swyddog – Trefnu a Chyfathrebu: Stuart Williams “Yn ôl i’r ysgol a’i syrffed heddiw, neu dyna feddyliais i. Fodd bynnag, roedd pawb Cai Jones Trefnydd y Gogledd: yn gofyn sut aeth y cwrs ac roeddwn fod gen i wialen hud, yn yr un ffordd ag y Cyfreithiwr Cymru: Angharad Booker i’n dyheu i rannu beth ddysgais i (sy’n teimlai’n wych wrth ddod gartref ddoe yn Aelodau Gweithredol: Neil Foden, annodweddiadol iawn ohonof!). llawn ffydd, positifrwydd a chyffro. Angela Jardine, Beth Davies “Bob tro y gofynnai rhywun, byddwn “Diolch i chi. Roeddwn i’n awyddus i yn sôn am y tri gwˆŵr gwych a gyflwynodd un fynegi fy ngwerthfawrogiad a rhoi gwybod i o’r cyrsiau gorau imi fynd arno erioed. chi, hyd yn oed os na fyddaf i’n gwneud dim PRIF SWYDDFA “Roeddwn i’n gwenu’n ddi-baid arall gyda’r deunydd arbennig a roesoch Yr Undeb Addysg Cenedlaethol: wrth ailadrodd syniadau ac esbonio imi, heddiw gwenodd bachgen anhapus Adran yr NUT, Hamilton House, strategaethau, cyngor a thriciau. iawn o glust i glust a dweud: ‘Rydw i’n eithaf Mabledon Place, Llundain WC1H 9BD “Ddiwedd y bore, fel sy’n digwydd yn clyfar, yn tydw i?’” Ffôn: 020 7388 6191 aml, anfonwyd un o’n disgyblion mwyaf Julia Brice, a aeth ar gwrs ymddygiad yr Ffacs: 020 7387 8458 anfodlon i weithio gyda mi. Undeb yng Nghaerdydd “Roedd y tân ynddo’n wenfflam. Gwefan: www.neu.org.uk Sefydlogais fy hun, cymryd anadl ddofn, Llywydd: Kiri Tunks plygu i lefel y llygaid, gosod fy ffiniau a “Roeddwn Cyd-ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol: defnyddio “llawer iawn o ddŵwˆr”. i’n awyddus Kevin Courtney “Erbyn diwedd y sesiwn, roedd gen i wyth o frawddegau da wedi’u hysgrifennu’n i fynegi fy daclus – lle cynt doedd dim ond tudalennau ngwerthfawrogiad. di-rif o sgribliadau a blerwch. “Roedd y bachgen yn teimlo’n wych ac Heddiw, fe roedd hynny’n beth da i bawb. deimlwn fod “Rwy’n gwybod na fydd pethau wastad mor hawdd, ond heddiw, fe deimlwn gen i wialen hud”

4 Athrawon Cymru: Tymor yr Hydref 2018