SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE
Bernice
of the nation through a heavy emphasis on functional
learning. Taken too far, I believe that a serious
McCabe of
consequence of this may be the cultural and intellectual
impoverishment of a generation of school children.
We know that most pupils are encouraged by
the Prince’s
being challenged, that it is possible for them to enjoy
“difficulty” and that problem-solving can be popular.
Teaching
By having high expectations and ensuring that all
pupils, irrespective of their backgrounds, are taught
Institute believes in the
the aspects of our subjects that we most value, rather
than those that are immediately accessible, we can
importance of subject
raise standards, too – the standards of scholarship,
engagement, self-motivation.
The wish of teachers to have their subject knowledge
knowledge and passionate
reinforced and enriched is what informs all that the PTI
does, through its annual Summer Schools, its training
teachers who are inspired
days, and the new Schools Programme.
Just as we must inspire children to discover what
by their subjects
lies at the heart of our subjects, so we must rediscover
our own sense of idealism about our profession.
Perhaps the most notable effect of the Summer
Schools to date has been that teachers have gone back
S TEACHERS prepare for the
A
new academic year, refreshed by
our holidays and new schemes of
work prepared, the most important Knowledge
to their schools feeling it is within their power to change
the way they approach their teaching, despite real or
perceived constraints.
That was one of the reasons the PTI launched its
thing is that we go back into the Schools Programme at the end of last year, which
classroom still passionate about our recognises and rewards school departments that have
subjects and excited about sharing
that enthusiasm with a new group of pupils.
At this year’s Education Summer School, organised
by The Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI) for secondary
is power
developed inspirational ideas and activities to enhance
the teaching of their subjects.
Departments that achieve membership will have
access to PTI web resources, discounts for CPD
school teachers, we invited a group of 6th formers to events and, after a year, may use the PTI Schools
start the proceedings. Programme logo on their letterhead and website.
One of them told delegates, when asked what Already 57 departments in 35 schools have begun their
he thought of the currently fashionable approach to Those who espouse educational orthodoxies that knowledge, but of deep, critical discussion and debate membership.
teaching through themes, that what contributed most promote “learning to learn” or “personalised learning” formed over hundreds of years. This year, for the first time, we shall be having a
to his own learning was having a knowledgeable and seem to have forgotten that education is also about what Teachers in secondary schools have no doubt about second residential course, in November, for English and
enthusiastic teacher. children are to learn, not just modish new ways of how the importance of the subject knowledge that underpins history teachers. We shall be sharing ideas, discussing,
“Subject teaching,” he said, “allows you to expand on they are to learn. their own enthusiasm for their subject. It is significant and challenging the ways in which the teaching of these
any ideas you may have. Teaching by themes is probably It might seem that all children need these days that in a 2007 Training and Development Agency subjects is approached, with an emphasis on subject
quite limiting, and doesn’t allow for a creative thought in order to make a success of their lives are good for Schools survey of children’s opinions about what knowledge and academic rigour.
pattern in the way any subject-based teaching would.” exam results, core skills and an understanding of makes an effective teacher, by far and away the I am sure these teachers will return to their schools
I wholeheartedly agreed with him and so did citizenship. These things are, of course, important, most important attribute in their eyes was excellent with a renewed sense of excitement in and fascination
his audience. What attracts most teachers into the but they are not enough. What sustains us personally, knowledge of their subject. by their subjects that will make their lessons memorable
profession at the secondary level is love of their subject inspires us as human beings, and gives us access to the However, it is not always easy for teachers to ensure and inspirational. SecEd
and a desire to communicate this passion to another opportunities that the world offers is not meeting the that their knowledge is kept up-to-date as, unlike other
generation of children. But that passion will wither basic requirements, but a much richer and more complex professionals like lawyers and doctors, they are under • Bernice McCabe is co-director of The Prince’s
unless it is nurtured. engagement with the world. In a word, subjects. no mandatory obligation to stay up-to-date in their Teaching Institute.
Since the first PTI Summer School in 2002, we have The importance of subjects is the importance of subject, and there are few opportunities to do so.
listened to hundreds of teachers who tell us of their deeper, sustained engagement. It is the importance of One element which has upset some teachers has
Further information
concern that developments in education have left little understanding above knowing, and reflecting rather been the growing sense that the over-riding purpose of The next PTI course takes place from November 7 to
room for the subject itself. than repeating. Subjects are the reservoir, not of ossified education is to enhance the economic competitiveness 10 in Crewe, Cheshire. Visit www.princes-ti.org.uk
Notes and jottings Psycho babble
Pass rates and Hamlet Dealing with pushy parents
IS YOURS one of the 20 schools which has started last year, not to mention your caring efforts in the THE GOVERNMENT is all abuzz with the latest They also fail to understand the reality of teaching
teaching the Pre-U course this term instead of A last week or two. advice to improve less successful schools – in this a large multi-cultural class according to strict
level? If so you’re in prestigious company. Eton, Yet, we are repeatedly told that many children case suggesting that encouraging pushy parents can government guidelines and curricula. The truth is that
Winchester and Rugby are on the list along with are so traumatised by “transition” that it marks the raise standards because they demand and expect the teaching standards are often hampered by the straits in
several comprehensives. beginning of educational disillusionment. best for their children. While it seems obvious that which teachers are placed, which leaves little room for
Pre-U is a back-to-basics rigorous option devised When I started secondary school back in the dark persistent parents with high expectations will raise creativity, spontaneity and imagination – all of which
by Cambridge University. Students have to write ages, I was the only child from my primary school. the game for their own children, I’m not entirely sure characterise good teaching and, indeed, learning.
detailed essay-style exam answers at the end of a I had previously seen only the headmistress’s study that this advice is not a little misguided. In the mid of all this are, of course, the students
two-year course. The syllabus for English literature, where I was interviewed. But, strangely, I don’t For one thing, studies do show that pushy parents themselves – pushed into being something they
for instance, is blissfully straightforward and specifies recall being lonely or upset. I just got on with it. produce children who are more likely to excel in are perhaps incapable of being by parents, pawns
texts such as Moll Flanders, The Rainbow, While I’m not for a moment secondary school, graduate from higher education, in the larger picture, as the government expects
Coriolanus, and The Rape of the Lock. suggesting that we should return to pre- and grow into young adults who are happier with their parents of these kids to push them to raise overall
The best universities are rubbing their enlightenment practice, could it not lives and more prosperous in their careers. standards, and at the mercy of a system that gives
hands with glee because here, at last, be that we have gone a tad too far The idea is that parents expect and push, little breathing space.
is a way of sorting the academic the other way and that some of insist and nag, rather than adopting a For once, I suggest, government officials
wheat from the chaff. our over-mollycoddled 11-year- “what is right for my child” approach, should stop and consider the kids. Why
Which is more than can be said olds fail educationally because we which can backfire when kids are not push them so hard? Why not reduce
for A level with its 97 per cent pass deny them the opportunity to grow personally motivated to succeed. some of the pressure and give them
rate described recently as “absolutely up and be independent? Other research does, however, space to enjoy being taught, and love
awful” by Tim Moore-Bridger, head suggest that children of pushy the concept of education? Why
of King Edward VI Grammar in You have to hand it to Shrewsbury parents suffer from much greater encourage parents to become
Stratford-upon-Avon, which is – please School for bringing out the artistry – in exam stress, often having extra involved in something that they
note – a maintained sector school. spadesful – in their students. I recently coaching to get into the best ultimately cannot change?
Despairing ministers and their hand- caught up with their latest marvel in selective schools, some of which I love the idea of parents
wringing minions meanwhile continue to Edinburgh where it filled (quite an are fee-paying. They are also given becoming involved, and learning,
tinker at the edges of A level. In future achievement for a Fringe show) the tight schedules of extra-curricular with the help of dedicated teachers,
students are to be encouraged to present Roxy Demarco every night for a activities, for which the same high to understand their children’s
a 5,000-word dissertation as an optional fortnight. standards are expected. In essence, strengths and weaknesses, and
extra (which used, surely, to be called Harry! is a tuneful, cerebral, witty, they aren’t given opportunities to to encourage them to set realistic
S level?). We are also promised longer moving re-working of Hamlet, by Peter relax, explore their environments, goals. I love the idea that parents
open-ended questions and more “in-depth Fanning and John Moore, who both and, really, be children. should be introduced to the minutiae of
modules”, which is surely an oxymoron. teach at the school, in which Denmark It seems a hard balancing act for the curriculum and understand the pressures
I blame inclusivity. For decades becomes a cardboard box factory. Chris teachers and administrators to negotiate. that teachers and administrators face, as well as
we’ve been sold the line (or at least told) Jamieson as the revoltingly caddish Claud While there is evidence showing that parents the confines of the system that is neither’s fault.
that exams have to be more “accessible” to is (as it were) a cross between Salvador Dali of kids who do well are most likely to go to I think parents should be encouraged to become
more candidates in order to include them. If and Terry Thomas, and is a stage natural. So parent evenings, volunteer in school, and attend actively involved in their children’s education,
that doesn’t mean making exams easier then is the powerful, rich-voiced Ben Edmunds as school performances, and, equally, there is a strong encouraging from behind the scenes, and expecting
what does it mean? Harry, Fanning’s take on Hamlet. regard for parents who lay down the law at home, and the best for their children. But pushy? That’s
The whole point of examinations is, I’m afraid, Really Harry! is a wonderfully watchable opera encourage kids to get their homework done, and work something else entirely, and the people who suffer
that they are competitive. Some competitors at Beijing rather than a musical. There is no spoken dialogue. to the best of their abilities, it is certainly true that are the very ones we are actively engaged in helping
didn’t get golds. Some failed even to get placed in their And the good news is that it will soon be available pushy parents can be a headache too many. – the children themselves.
events. There are winners and losers. That’s life. It has for other schools to perform as four of Moore and There can be no doubt that pushy parents often It’s time that the government took the pressure off,
to be the same with school examinations. Otherwise Fanning’s previous works already are. Contact John have an inaccurate perception of their children’s and discouraged parents from creating their own, at
the whole business becomes a gigantic waste of time, Moore at Shrewsbury School (jfm@shrewsbury.org. abilities, and expect very average children to be which time we can most certainly see children blossom
energy and money. Someone has to say it. uk and 01743 280500). top of the class, and the best at everything to which in a learning environment that is right for them.
they turn their hands; they expect children to be
How are your bright-eyed year 7s settling? I bet most • Susan Elkin is a freelance education journalist and undertaking tasks and learning skills for which they • Karen Sullivan is an author and psychologist.
are fine given all those visits that you dutifully ran former teacher. are often developmentally unready. Psycho babble returns in September.
SecEd • September 11 2008 7
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