East Durham schools "smell of defeatism" says Education Secretary, Michael Gove

12:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Robert Merrick, Parliamentary Correspondent

Michael Gove smells defeatism Michael Gove smells defeatism

MICHAEL Gove sparked fury yesterday (February 28) when he warned he could "smell the sense of defeatism" in some North-East schools.

The Education Secretary picked out "East Durham" as a prime example of where schools were dogged by a "problem of ambition in certain traditional communities".

Mr Gove said his target was not local parents, who shared the dream of the vast majority for their children to "have the chance to go to university".

Instead, he turned his fire on the lack of choice and on Labour-run Durham County Council, saying: "When you go into those schools, you can smell the sense of defeatism."

The comments, following a speech in London, angered - and mystified - local Labour MPs and educationalists alike.

Both Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) and Grahame Morris (Easington) insisted they could not remember Mr Gove visiting a single school in East Durham, in almost three years in the job.

Mr Wilson demanded that the Education Secretary come to Parliament to explain himself.

He told MPs: "This is a slur on the hard-working teachers, parents and students in the area.

"Why is he talking down our schools and young people? Will he come to the House to apologise to schools in East Durham?"

And Mr Morris said afterwards: "Michael Gove's comments are outrageous and an insult to every parent, teacher and child in East Durham, who are striving to improve standards and grades.

"He has never been to a school in East Durham and all he can smell is his own prejudice against children from working class families."

The Northern Echo put a series of questions to the department for education (Dfe) asking:

  • On what evidence the Education Secretary based his views about East Durham schools?
  • How many schools he has visited in the area?
  • Whether has been told of "defeatism" by any heads, teachers or parents in East Durham?

There was no response.

However, Mr Gove has previously name-checked Durham, when accusing some local education authorities (LEAs) of being too slow to act to turn around failing schools.

During Wednesday night's speech, to mark the launch of a book on struggling schools, Mr Gove had argued almost all pupils had the ability to achieve five good grades at GCSE.

But, in questions afterwards, he highlighted what he believed was a lingering "culture of low expectations" in some communities.

"There is a real problem of ambition in certain traditional communities, like East Durham, which needs to change," he said.

"It's often not the parents. We know that something like 95 per cent of parents from working class homes want their child to have the chance to go to university. The aspiration is there.

"It is the case that there's no choice, the local council has been one party for many years and when you go into those schools you can smell the sense of defeatism."

Lesley Powell, principal at Shotton Hall Academy said: "We offer outstanding educational opportunities at the Academy and students, parents, staff and governors are justly proud of the school and highly value the contribution it makes to the local community."

While Durham County Council's Labour leader Simon Henig said there had been tremendous improvements across the county over recent years, exceeding the national average.

"Has Michael Gove ever been to a school in east Durham, or east Durham or even Durham? His comments bear no relation to the good work that staff and students have done. He's completely out of touch," he said.

Mike McDonald, regional secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said Mr Gove was "hell-bent on privatising education".

"Because the people of Durham and elsewhere in the North are not embracing that with the sort of enthusiasm he would wish to see, he's targeting these areas," he said. "It's a politically motivated and driven agenda."

Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour Party, who was in Consett as part of the partys Older Womens Commission, also attacked the comments, saying: "The very last thing that you want is a Secretary of State just disparaging and condemning an area and all of the people in it."

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Comments (32)

12:03am Fri 1 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

Same old tory tactc smear people,turn people against them then fire them,same old same old.
Same old tory tactc smear people,turn people against them then fire them,same old same old. argo2013

9:44am Fri 1 Mar 13

David Lacey says...

He's doing a great job trying to overturn decades of left wing propaganda being shoved down kids throats instead of the 3 "R"s.
He's doing a great job trying to overturn decades of left wing propaganda being shoved down kids throats instead of the 3 "R"s. David Lacey

9:59am Fri 1 Mar 13

Auldgadgey says...

This is all part of his plan to privatise all our schools. His aim is to tell us how bad our schools are and how much better they will be if turned into academies. Even Tory run schools in Lancashire are fighting to stay out of his clutches. There are already plans to drop the "Non Profit" clause and to turn academies into profit making enterprises. We will end up with schools beyond local control that are run by education companies and guess who will be paying for their profits?
This is all part of his plan to privatise all our schools. His aim is to tell us how bad our schools are and how much better they will be if turned into academies. Even Tory run schools in Lancashire are fighting to stay out of his clutches. There are already plans to drop the "Non Profit" clause and to turn academies into profit making enterprises. We will end up with schools beyond local control that are run by education companies and guess who will be paying for their profits? Auldgadgey

10:01am Fri 1 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

So right wing propaganda is a good thing?
So right wing propaganda is a good thing? argo2013

10:19am Fri 1 Mar 13

Withnail Lefty says...

East Durham Schools should publish their results for the past, say, 10 years to show Gove that they are as good as any other school in the Country. I'm sure they will stand up to comparison against schools in other countries, even though the international tables show the UK has been plummeting for the last 20 years.
East Durham Schools should publish their results for the past, say, 10 years to show Gove that they are as good as any other school in the Country. I'm sure they will stand up to comparison against schools in other countries, even though the international tables show the UK has been plummeting for the last 20 years. Withnail Lefty

10:37am Fri 1 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

If these schools have an air of defeatism,shouldn't Mr Gove be looking at what he is doing to the education system,maybe his interference in the system is affecting moral?
If these schools have an air of defeatism,shouldn't Mr Gove be looking at what he is doing to the education system,maybe his interference in the system is affecting moral? argo2013

11:12am Fri 1 Mar 13

IanfromCrook says...

This is so obviously a politically motivated comment by Gove, in my view a front runner in the prize of most inept politician in the last 40 years. He is the Tory party's version of Father Jack(in Father Ted TV series). He has political tourettes, barking incoherent policies to fill the space between the news of economic disasters due, or at least not helped, by the Osbourne policies. He is a kind of Boris with all the charm and empathy and the little sense sucked out. If spitting image were on air I would love to see their puppet interpretation, sadly we do not have such a thing running now.
This is so obviously a politically motivated comment by Gove, in my view a front runner in the prize of most inept politician in the last 40 years. He is the Tory party's version of Father Jack(in Father Ted TV series). He has political tourettes, barking incoherent policies to fill the space between the news of economic disasters due, or at least not helped, by the Osbourne policies. He is a kind of Boris with all the charm and empathy and the little sense sucked out. If spitting image were on air I would love to see their puppet interpretation, sadly we do not have such a thing running now. IanfromCrook

2:29pm Fri 1 Mar 13

st-george1 says...

I always thought It is the job of the failing Labour opposition to identify how the country may be better run economically and fairly but the hypocrisy here is breath-taking, because whilst Labour’s own front bench sags under the weight of many of the Trades Union OR the Oxford-educated very rich and now well-heeled Labour Party ministers who sit on it, I suspect they will continue this poisonous and dishonest approach to politics and not worry about what it does to social harmony and aspiration in the North East and many parts of Britain …

I used to know someone like these two Mps and even their supporters … full of hatred, lefties and suppressors of truth who should really just sit down and listen to themselves !

Of course Mr Gove is right and it probably hurts those schools dogged by a problem-of-ambition in certain well-known communities in the North East where as in previous years, governors and leaders failed to monitor the quality of teaching and learning … and it makes you want to weep !

This is another Labour Party legacy that blights many parts of this country, where the words Labour, Thrift, Dignity and Diligence are carved into the crumbling pediment …
I always thought It is the job of the failing Labour opposition to identify how the country may be better run economically and fairly but the hypocrisy here is breath-taking, because whilst Labour’s own front bench sags under the weight of many of the Trades Union OR the Oxford-educated very rich and now well-heeled Labour Party ministers who sit on it, I suspect they will continue this poisonous and dishonest approach to politics and not worry about what it does to social harmony and aspiration in the North East and many parts of Britain … I used to know someone like these two Mps and even their supporters … full of hatred, lefties and suppressors of truth who should really just sit down and listen to themselves ! Of course Mr Gove is right and it probably hurts those schools dogged by a problem-of-ambition in certain well-known communities in the North East where as in previous years, governors and leaders failed to monitor the quality of teaching and learning … and it makes you want to weep ! This is another Labour Party legacy that blights many parts of this country, where the words Labour, Thrift, Dignity and Diligence are carved into the crumbling pediment … st-george1

2:35pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Haji el Maveric says...

Odious little toad
Odious little toad Haji el Maveric

2:47pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Mod says...

As someone commented earlier, why don't East Durham Schools publish their results for the last 10 years. They could do this through the Northern Echo with the help of Mr Wilson and Mr Morris.
That would then allow the true statistics and facts to show that Gove is wrong in his view. Or, perhaps, they wont.
As someone commented earlier, why don't East Durham Schools publish their results for the last 10 years. They could do this through the Northern Echo with the help of Mr Wilson and Mr Morris. That would then allow the true statistics and facts to show that Gove is wrong in his view. Or, perhaps, they wont. Mod

2:55pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Melanie Stephenson says...

You get what you vote for. So who is to blame? Him or the morons who elected him?
You get what you vote for. So who is to blame? Him or the morons who elected him? Melanie Stephenson

3:51pm Fri 1 Mar 13

CynicaloldGit says...

David Lacey wrote:
He's doing a great job trying to overturn decades of left wing propaganda being shoved down kids throats instead of the 3 "R"s.
The three R's David

reading riting and rithmetic or reckoning?

Should it not be R W and A or M

reading writing and arithmetic or mathematics.

Such slovenly sayings from a man of letters too.
[quote][p][bold]David Lacey[/bold] wrote: He's doing a great job trying to overturn decades of left wing propaganda being shoved down kids throats instead of the 3 "R"s.[/p][/quote]The three R's David reading riting and rithmetic or reckoning? Should it not be R W and A or M reading writing and arithmetic or mathematics. Such slovenly sayings from a man of letters too. CynicaloldGit

4:59pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Traser says...

Mr Gove is correct.

Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham)

www.ofsted.gov.uk/in
spection-reports/fin
d-inspection-report/
provider/ELS/114313


www.ofsted.gov.uk/in
spection-reports/fin
d-inspection-report/
provider/ELS/114315


Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance.

The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools!
Mr Gove is correct. Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham) www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114313 www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114315 Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance. The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools! Traser

6:09pm Fri 1 Mar 13

loan_star says...

Henig was on the radio tonight saying how well schools in this area have done in the last 3 years. Does that mean they have done better under the current government than they did under labour?
Henig was on the radio tonight saying how well schools in this area have done in the last 3 years. Does that mean they have done better under the current government than they did under labour? loan_star

7:25pm Fri 1 Mar 13

lesholloway says...

Until the facts are faced, some schools will continue to underperform. Gove wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't point that out. If it upsets a few teachers, tough - children’s education comes first.
Until the facts are faced, some schools will continue to underperform. Gove wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't point that out. If it upsets a few teachers, tough - children’s education comes first. lesholloway

8:10pm Fri 1 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

The education in academies come first that is why Gove is taking funding from state schools because he has over spent on academies.
The education in academies come first that is why Gove is taking funding from state schools because he has over spent on academies. argo2013

8:12pm Fri 1 Mar 13

vercingetorix says...

I went to a school that was a toilet...my education was very poor...but in 1970 when I left school I had a choice of GOOD jobs to go to. Now ALL children get a great education.....FACT..
.but ......they must leave education asking ...'err...whats a job?'
I went to a school that was a toilet...my education was very poor...but in 1970 when I left school I had a choice of GOOD jobs to go to. Now ALL children get a great education.....FACT.. .but ......they must leave education asking ...'err...whats a job?' vercingetorix

8:57pm Fri 1 Mar 13

IanfromCrook says...

Traser wrote:
Mr Gove is correct.

Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham)

www.ofsted.gov.uk/in

spection-reports/fin

d-inspection-report/

provider/ELS/114313


www.ofsted.gov.uk/in

spection-reports/fin

d-inspection-report/

provider/ELS/114315


Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance.

The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools!
There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate.
Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status.
Even people in his own party do not believe him
''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.".
Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic.
[quote][p][bold]Traser[/bold] wrote: Mr Gove is correct. Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham) www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114313 www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114315 Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance. The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools![/p][/quote]There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate. Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status. Even people in his own party do not believe him ''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.". Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic. IanfromCrook

11:04pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Concerned59 says...

As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride.
As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride. Concerned59

11:30pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Leo1978 says...

As a teacher in a South Durham school I find the only pungent thing is Gove talking out of his ....
After our last 2 inspections we were classed as good with inspirational and outstanding teachers. Yes the children in our catchment area may differ from Surrey but who is anyone to judge on the ambition, aspirations or passion of children they observe for minutes or from data on a sheet or from Westminster without having ever visited us??
As others have commented every area has good schools and schools which require improvement, in my humble yet professional opinion Durham County Council go as far as others to support. In no way do I feel defeatist and I love my job and strongly object to this odious man tarnishing my region, my pupils and my colleagues - all schools aren't the same! Only on Thursday I had a 5 year old proudly tell me they wanted to be nurse to help people, another said a TV star, when asked why she said "To be famous". Personally I love this positivity yet would Mr Gove not want to question why our future adults would rather be famous & see this as a legitimate career as opposed to true vocations. It's not education but cultural shifts Mr Gove, that socioeconomic or location can't be blamed for - so come down from your isolated ivory tower Gove!!!
Rant over!
As a teacher in a South Durham school I find the only pungent thing is Gove talking out of his .... After our last 2 inspections we were classed as good with inspirational and outstanding teachers. Yes the children in our catchment area may differ from Surrey but who is anyone to judge on the ambition, aspirations or passion of children they observe for minutes or from data on a sheet or from Westminster without having ever visited us?? As others have commented every area has good schools and schools which require improvement, in my humble yet professional opinion Durham County Council go as far as others to support. In no way do I feel defeatist and I love my job and strongly object to this odious man tarnishing my region, my pupils and my colleagues - all schools aren't the same! Only on Thursday I had a 5 year old proudly tell me they wanted to be nurse to help people, another said a TV star, when asked why she said "To be famous". Personally I love this positivity yet would Mr Gove not want to question why our future adults would rather be famous & see this as a legitimate career as opposed to true vocations. It's not education but cultural shifts Mr Gove, that socioeconomic or location can't be blamed for - so come down from your isolated ivory tower Gove!!! Rant over! Leo1978

12:26am Sat 2 Mar 13

tomtopper says...

IanfromCrook wrote:
Traser wrote:
Mr Gove is correct.

Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham)

www.ofsted.gov.uk/in


spection-reports/fin


d-inspection-report/


provider/ELS/114313


www.ofsted.gov.uk/in


spection-reports/fin


d-inspection-report/


provider/ELS/114315


Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance.

The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools!
There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate.
Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status.
Even people in his own party do not believe him
''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.".
Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic.
Yeah, I mean all the rich, footballers, doctors, lawyers etc etc are falling over themselves to get their kids in these schools, they are that good... We need to use them as a role model for other schools..

Gove's a Tory, so he can't possibly be right on anything at all...

We need comrade Blair back in power.. After all he is so proud to be a North eastern socialist, him and his wife are proudly still living in the region and looking at getting their kids in these 'brilliant' schools, whilst they actively redistribute the millions of pounds they've earned amongst our poor...What a hero...Vote Labour
[quote][p][bold]IanfromCrook[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Traser[/bold] wrote: Mr Gove is correct. Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham) www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114313 www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114315 Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance. The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools![/p][/quote]There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate. Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status. Even people in his own party do not believe him ''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.". Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic.[/p][/quote]Yeah, I mean all the rich, footballers, doctors, lawyers etc etc are falling over themselves to get their kids in these schools, they are that good... We need to use them as a role model for other schools.. Gove's a Tory, so he can't possibly be right on anything at all... We need comrade Blair back in power.. After all he is so proud to be a North eastern socialist, him and his wife are proudly still living in the region and looking at getting their kids in these 'brilliant' schools, whilst they actively redistribute the millions of pounds they've earned amongst our poor...What a hero...Vote Labour tomtopper

8:00am Sat 2 Mar 13

Adam Walker says...

Leo 1978…. be very careful. Don’t you know that thinking in the wrong way is a crime in modern day society? If you disagree with Mr Gove publically your career will be on the line. Your IP address will be traced and you will be singled out for ‘special treatment’. As for Mr Gove, I remember him stating that the GTC was ‘not fit for purpose’ after it found me not guilty of racial discrimination. Just think of how much money I have saved the nations teachers in fees they no longer have to pay.
And don’t get me started on Harriet Harman. She has actively campaigned to promote paedophilia, lower the age of consent and decriminalise incest. No wonder the authorities turn a blind eye to Muslim paedophile gangs who are drugging and gang raping our children; deep down inside they condone it.
Leo 1978…. be very careful. Don’t you know that thinking in the wrong way is a crime in modern day society? If you disagree with Mr Gove publically your career will be on the line. Your IP address will be traced and you will be singled out for ‘special treatment’. As for Mr Gove, I remember him stating that the GTC was ‘not fit for purpose’ after it found me not guilty of racial discrimination. Just think of how much money I have saved the nations teachers in fees they no longer have to pay. And don’t get me started on Harriet Harman. She has actively campaigned to promote paedophilia, lower the age of consent and decriminalise incest. No wonder the authorities turn a blind eye to Muslim paedophile gangs who are drugging and gang raping our children; deep down inside they condone it. Adam Walker

9:11am Sat 2 Mar 13

Traser says...

Concerned59 wrote:
As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride.
True, true.

Cheating is widespread - and if teachers won't play along then they are bullied out on 'capability' by management.

Now, I wonder why headteachers are so set against coursework being removed and GCSE results being dependent on final examinations.......?
??
[quote][p][bold]Concerned59[/bold] wrote: As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride.[/p][/quote]True, true. Cheating is widespread - and if teachers won't play along then they are bullied out on 'capability' by management. Now, I wonder why headteachers are so set against coursework being removed and GCSE results being dependent on final examinations.......? ?? Traser

9:58am Sat 2 Mar 13

Mod says...

If teachers from East Durham Schools are coming on this public forum and openly disclosing cheating in exams then Messrs Wilson and Morris should instigate an immediate investigation. This is tantamount to perpetrating a serious fraudulent system where the real victims are the kids from East Durham.
If teachers from East Durham Schools are coming on this public forum and openly disclosing cheating in exams then Messrs Wilson and Morris should instigate an immediate investigation. This is tantamount to perpetrating a serious fraudulent system where the real victims are the kids from East Durham. Mod

6:10pm Sat 2 Mar 13

lesholloway says...

Concerned59 wrote:
As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride.
I admire your bravery in speaking out - it must be so frustrating teaching in a school where senior staff don't properly motivate and challenge the kids. But keep at it, they need teachers like you.
[quote][p][bold]Concerned59[/bold] wrote: As a teacher in an east Durham school, I completely agree with Gove. Bullying by senior members of staff, repeated exam practise for three years and then cheating when the exams come along is doing nothing for the students. Especially as once they've got their GCSEs they've got little choice of a proper sixth form unless they fancy a forty minute bus ride.[/p][/quote]I admire your bravery in speaking out - it must be so frustrating teaching in a school where senior staff don't properly motivate and challenge the kids. But keep at it, they need teachers like you. lesholloway

6:23pm Sat 2 Mar 13

spragger says...

A toxic combination of state schools & family failure has let down our children

The self serving NUT & NASUWT are behind a lot of the state education failure
A toxic combination of state schools & family failure has let down our children The self serving NUT & NASUWT are behind a lot of the state education failure spragger

7:35pm Sat 2 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

Interfering sucessive goverments are the problem, teachers are forced to impliment to many conflicting changes.Just because the unions resist all these changes doesn't mean they don't have the interests at heart.
Interfering sucessive goverments are the problem, teachers are forced to impliment to many conflicting changes.Just because the unions resist all these changes doesn't mean they don't have the interests at heart. argo2013

7:38pm Sat 2 Mar 13

argo2013 says...

should have said, tdoesn't mean they don't have their pupils interests at heart.
should have said, tdoesn't mean they don't have their pupils interests at heart. argo2013

8:53pm Sat 2 Mar 13

IanfromCrook says...

Mod wrote:
If teachers from East Durham Schools are coming on this public forum and openly disclosing cheating in exams then Messrs Wilson and Morris should instigate an immediate investigation. This is tantamount to perpetrating a serious fraudulent system where the real victims are the kids from East Durham.
I agree with this statement though the most important part being the first 6 words?!
[quote][p][bold]Mod[/bold] wrote: If teachers from East Durham Schools are coming on this public forum and openly disclosing cheating in exams then Messrs Wilson and Morris should instigate an immediate investigation. This is tantamount to perpetrating a serious fraudulent system where the real victims are the kids from East Durham.[/p][/quote]I agree with this statement though the most important part being the first 6 words?! IanfromCrook

9:02pm Sat 2 Mar 13

IanfromCrook says...

tomtopper wrote:
IanfromCrook wrote:
Traser wrote:
Mr Gove is correct.

Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham)

www.ofsted.gov.uk/in



spection-reports/fin



d-inspection-report/



provider/ELS/114313


www.ofsted.gov.uk/in



spection-reports/fin



d-inspection-report/



provider/ELS/114315


Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance.

The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools!
There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate.
Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status.
Even people in his own party do not believe him
''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.".
Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic.
Yeah, I mean all the rich, footballers, doctors, lawyers etc etc are falling over themselves to get their kids in these schools, they are that good... We need to use them as a role model for other schools..

Gove's a Tory, so he can't possibly be right on anything at all...

We need comrade Blair back in power.. After all he is so proud to be a North eastern socialist, him and his wife are proudly still living in the region and looking at getting their kids in these 'brilliant' schools, whilst they actively redistribute the millions of pounds they've earned amongst our poor...What a hero...Vote Labour
Amusing ............
My point is he has no idea, there will be sections of communities all over the UK that lack ambition. Mr Gove does not want to address this he wants to anger governors of the schools in this area, make them question whether they should try other things..............
....roll up roll up academies available giving them away with bonuses.
If he had visited it would be different, if a variety of ofstead reports indicated a lack of ambition it would have some credence.
[quote][p][bold]tomtopper[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]IanfromCrook[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Traser[/bold] wrote: Mr Gove is correct. Read the OFSTED inspection reports for Dene and Wellfield (both failing schools in East Durham) www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114313 www.ofsted.gov.uk/in spection-reports/fin d-inspection-report/ provider/ELS/114315 Inadequate and in need of improvement. Those schools have been like that for years: failing management and inadequate governance. The council's only agenda is to be complicit in bullying ordinary staff in both schools. Management and the governing bodies continue to ride the gravy train and it is only recently that OFSTED (toughened by Gove and Wilshaw) has challenged poor leadership at both schools![/p][/quote]There are schools in every area that range from outstanding to inadequate. Including Mr Goves own area of Surrey Heath. Gove's real meaning of poor leadership is actually more of a tantrum because he wants schools to queue up for academy status. Even people in his own party do not believe him ''Driver said the data Gove had used to question the performance of schools in Lancashire was simply wrong. He added: "Indeed, the correct information provides a good indication of the excellent progress this Conservative administration is making in improving the education and life chances of children and young people in Lancashire.". Gove is a whining accuser not knowing education rational. Sorry just trying out an acrostic.[/p][/quote]Yeah, I mean all the rich, footballers, doctors, lawyers etc etc are falling over themselves to get their kids in these schools, they are that good... We need to use them as a role model for other schools.. Gove's a Tory, so he can't possibly be right on anything at all... We need comrade Blair back in power.. After all he is so proud to be a North eastern socialist, him and his wife are proudly still living in the region and looking at getting their kids in these 'brilliant' schools, whilst they actively redistribute the millions of pounds they've earned amongst our poor...What a hero...Vote Labour[/p][/quote]Amusing ............ My point is he has no idea, there will be sections of communities all over the UK that lack ambition. Mr Gove does not want to address this he wants to anger governors of the schools in this area, make them question whether they should try other things.............. ....roll up roll up academies available giving them away with bonuses. If he had visited it would be different, if a variety of ofstead reports indicated a lack of ambition it would have some credence. IanfromCrook

8:49am Sun 3 Mar 13

Traser says...

spragger wrote:
A toxic combination of state schools & family failure has let down our children

The self serving NUT & NASUWT are behind a lot of the state education failure
Try looking at the headteachers' unions - ASCL and NAHT. They were all in favour of schools turning academy so that their own members could give themselves pay rises.

However, now that Mr Gove has introduced forced academy conversions, to deal with under-achieving schools, the headteachers' unions are worried that some of their members will be (rightly) losing their jobs.

I don't so much blame NUT and NASUWT, Spragger, I blame the headteacher unions!
[quote][p][bold]spragger[/bold] wrote: A toxic combination of state schools & family failure has let down our children The self serving NUT & NASUWT are behind a lot of the state education failure[/p][/quote]Try looking at the headteachers' unions - ASCL and NAHT. They were all in favour of schools turning academy so that their own members could give themselves pay rises. However, now that Mr Gove has introduced forced academy conversions, to deal with under-achieving schools, the headteachers' unions are worried that some of their members will be (rightly) losing their jobs. I don't so much blame NUT and NASUWT, Spragger, I blame the headteacher unions! Traser

8:27pm Mon 4 Mar 13

spragger says...

Thats fine, lets add ASCL & NAHT to the list of NUT & NASUWT

All self serving and let down the kids
Thats fine, lets add ASCL & NAHT to the list of NUT & NASUWT All self serving and let down the kids spragger

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