BESA's review of the changing needs of education, conducted to coincidewith its 75th anniversary, aimed to investigate the impact of educationpolicies over the years. It concluded that assessment reporting at allstages of education, including the EYFS, is 'not fit for purpose', andthat new technology should be used to reform assessment so that it isless overt for children and less demanding and time consuming forteachers.
The report was compiled from written evidence submitted in summer 2008from 239 schools, educational suppliers and other relevant bodies. BESAalso held seminars to gather oral evidence and received 184 responsesfrom schools, local authorities and suppliers to an onlinequestionnaire.
BESA asked participants about the impact of specific educationalpolicies, such as the EYFS. Most of the school leaders who respondedbelieved that attainment would rise as a result of the EYFS,particularly in mathematical development, creative development and boys'learning.
However, they complained of a lack of trained early years practitionersand wanted more investment in staff training, to develop ICT competenceand support children's play. Schools also said they needed moreICT-based resources and more to support literacy and numeracy in activelearning.
Another issue highlighted was a need for increased facilities foroutdoor learning and flexible layout and resourcing of classrooms.
MP Charles Clarke, who chaired the policy commission BESA set up, said,'There is increased recognition of the importance of tailoring educationto the needs of the individual student, of whatever age. Moderntechnology, with its rapidly expanding capacity, is indispensable inmaking that aspiration a reality.
'The commission's report identifies the need to look at our fundamentaleducational methods, in particular assessment and general teaching andpedagogy, in a way which understands the capacity of modern technologyto help.'
BESA's 300-plus members include manufacturers and distributors ofequipment, materials, books and ICT to the education market.
Further information
'An investigation into the changing nature of education to helpeducators meet the challenges of the future' is atww.besa.org.uk/commission08.