Topic ID 6877
Apologies if this is already posted, but these guys were out promoting on Saturday, and I also read about them in the mercury: http://www.hertfordfreeschool.co.uk/# Good to see someone finally doing something about the problems with places in Hertford - shame it's comes to this to do what ultimately is the councils responsibility.
Reply ID 90985
"Qualified teachers will be aided in delivering the curriculum by outside experts, like musicians, artists, coaches and native launguage speakers". Impressive.
Reply ID 91000
In other words your kid can be taught by unqualified teachers which is not great is it? At least ordinary state schools have standards!
Reply ID 91007
quote:I don't think that's what the website says. And I believe state schools have something called classroom assistants, who also aren't qualified teachers. Do you have an objection in principle to Free Schools? This appears to be a group of local parents who are taking the initiative to provide quality education in an area where the local education authority are failing to address a serious shortage of primary school places.
Originally posted by spooky
In other words your kid can be taught by unqualified teachers which is not great is it? At least ordinary state schools have standards!
Reply ID 91008
The biggest challenges will be finding suitable premises with outside space and managing the finances. As we all know property is very expensive in this area. Best of luck to those involved, HCC have failed to meet residents needs.
Reply ID 91012
quote:State schools are already aided and assisted by 'outside experts'. Personally I worked with my sons primary school football team and, had time and work commitments allowed, I would have volunteered for more. 'Musicians, artists, coaches and native launguage speakers' are frequently used to support schools.
Originally posted by spooky
In other words your kid can be taught by unqualified teachers which is not great is it? At least ordinary state schools have standards!
Reply ID 91020
quote:Thanks for fixing that one (someone must be reading these pages). Now have a look at "By trying new things they will evolve their interests and estasblish personal goals which we will enable them to persue with vigour". Not the best of adverts. I hope the website designer is not involved with the standards of spelling at the proposed school. [;)]
Originally posted by Leo Densian
"Qualified teachers will be aided in delivering the curriculum by outside experts, like musicians, artists, coaches and native launguage speakers". Impressive.
Reply ID 91061
quote:And that one has been fixed too. I'll point out the other one when I get round to it [;)]
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Thanks for fixing that one (someone must be reading these pages). Now have a look at "By trying new things they will evolve their interests and estasblish personal goals which we will enable them to persue with vigour". Not the best of adverts. I hope the website designer is not involved with the standards of spelling at the proposed school. [;)]
Originally posted by Leo Densian
"Qualified teachers will be aided in delivering the curriculum by outside experts, like musicians, artists, coaches and native launguage speakers". Impressive.
Reply ID 91083
I commend the idea of having outside experts assisting with learning in schools, I have taught as a music specialist in schools and although I have no formal "Primary school Teaching" qualification, I am a qualified music teacher. I know from past experience that some classroom teachers find it difficult to teach a specialist subject like music or art.
Reply ID 93503
I've not heard much on this topic for a while although I believe the idea is still progressing. I've also wondered whether the empty premises in Hagsdell Road might be in consideration as a location. Meanwhile Dennis O'Sullivan, Headmaster at Chauncy, has a few thoughts to share on the concept of free schools. http://chauncyhead.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/support-grows-for-blazers-and-digging.html Surprisingly, to me at least, he suggests that there is a surplus of secondary school places in the area.
Reply ID 93508
The idea is progressing and they're still planning on opening for 2014 I heard? I was surprised it could be open so quick. They did a guest blog here too: http://www.familyfunathertford.co.uk/hertford-free-school-an-alternative-education/
Reply ID 93511
quote:I think Sele is is under subscribed so he may be referring to that
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
Surprisingly, to me at least, he suggests that there is a surplus of secondary school places in the area.
Reply ID 93516
Premises have been found I am led to believe but wont be announced until a later date, pending school approval etc. I wish them the very best as a lot of work has been done to get this far.
Reply ID 94112
It would appear that the application has been turned down. http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/News/Hertford-free-school-bid-rejected-20130603093842.htm