In response to Paul's plea for some help with educational jargonese, here are a few hints in that direction. Just one or two points: the list is not exhaustive − a whole book could be written; and I have refrained from passing any judgements even though I am sorely tempted. So, here we go with the most common ones first:
Year groups − Children are now placed in Year Groups. Thus a 6 year old is in Year 1, a seven year old in Year 2, an eight year old in Year 3 and so on up to the age of 15 when they are in Year 10. There is also an 'unofficial' Year R which includes those children who are 5 and under.
National Curriculum − Children's learning has now been divided into eight (nine in Secondary schools) subjects which have to be taught in all state schools. Three of these: English, Mathematics and Science and 'core' subjects and, particularly in primary schools, most time in school is spent on them. They are also tested (see below). Religious Education also has to be taught.
AT's − Attainment Targets − Each subject has a number of Attainment Targets. These are details of the broad areas that must be taught within the subject. Thus English has three AT's: Speaking and Listening, Writing and Reading.
Levels − All subjects have been divided into 10 levels. However each Level does NOT correspond to each Year Group.
An average Year 2 (7 year old) would be expected to complete a course of work at Level 2: an average Year 6 child (11 year old) would be expected to complete a course of work at Level 4; an average 14 year old Level 6; and an average 16 year old Level 8. Only exceptional children will complete Levels 9 and 10.
Key Stage − There are four key stages corresponding to four stages of a pupil's school life:
Key Stage 1: 5-7 years old
Key Stage 2: 7-11 years old
Key Stage 3: 11-14 years old
Key Stage 4: 14-16 years old
SAT's − Standard Assessment Tasks (Tests). At the end of each Key Stage, children are expected to take national tests. These are called SAT's and are confined to the three core subjects.
Now for some pertinent organisations:
LEA − Local Education Authorities − Most schools are under the umbrella of the LEA which provides funding, services and advice.
GM − Grant Maintained − Some schools have chosen to 'opt out' of LEA control. They are funded by a separate Government Quango.
SCAA − School Curriculum and Assessment Authority − This Government body looks after all curriculum elements within schools as well as the testing arrangements.
OFSTED − Office for Standards in Education − this is the official body that inspects and reports on standards in state schools. All schools should be inspected every 4 years.
DFE − Department for Education. The administrative body for all educational matters.
Finally, one which at the moment is causing an extra burden.
Special needs − This applies to children who for a variety of reasons: academic, social, physical, emotional, are not performing as well as they should. These children have separate programmes of study and are often helped by a special teacher and are taught in small numbers. If the child has a long term problem he/she may be formally assessed and have a statement which describes in detail his/her needs and any entitlement to special help.
I hope these pearls of wisdom and insight will make Archive readers more aware generally of what is happening in education as well as specifically with reference to educational software. u
