Dr Mick Walker

New exemplification for the EYFS Profile published by the DfE. Important for all YR staff to familiarise themselves with the 'pitch' of the criteria &for SLT and Y1 staff to be aware of what the data will 'mean' in September for the incumbent children... …arly-years-providers.education.gov.uk/support-for-pr…

📽️ WATCH | The Independent Review of Assessment Panel member Garry Matthewson reflects on the panel’s findings from an Independent Review of Key Stage Assessment in Northern Ireland. Garry highlights why he believes the recommendations will be a gamechanger for schools. To find out more and read the report in full, visit: education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-wel…

📽️ WATCH | Last week, the Independent Review of Assessment Panel, chaired by Tim Oates CBE, along with panel members Dr Mick Walker and Garry Matthewson, published the findings from the Independent Review of Key Stage Assessment in Northern Ireland. Hear from the Chair of the Panel, Tim Oates CBE, as he reflects on their work to bring the report to life. 🔗 To find out more and read the full report, visit: education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-wel…

📽️ WATCH | Today, the Independent Review of Assessment report, ‘Supporting Progress for Every Child’ was officially launched. The report sets out key recommendations on the purpose, nature and design of assessment. To read the report in full, visit: education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-wel…

Frog’s Random Act of Kindness hubs.ly/Q043jFC00

@mikip555 To be precise, schools are being held accountable. Education is not confined to what happens in schools. We need a discussion about the purpose of schooling and how this relates to wider societal influences and agencies. Schools are but one of child’s experiences.

The system is being held accountable for things outside its control. This is a societal issue. The pressure, financial and otherwise, on our trusts and schools is unsustainable. It’s time to return to the premise that it takes a village, not simply the state, to raise a child.

These prestigious awards are well worth a look…

📢 The CIEA is pleased to share that we are redeveloping our course provision to better support assessment professionals. Full details of the updated CEA qualifications, including course dates, will be published in the summer term. herts.ac.uk/ciea/ciea-qual…

Excellent piece from @daisychristo - with a great cricket bonus!

🔊ANNOUNCEMENT | Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a new online professional learning programme for primary school teachers across Northern Ireland. The Classroom Excellence Programme, delivered in partnership with Evidence Based Education, will provide over 4,000 teachers with access to research and practical tools to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms. 🔗 Find out more: education-ni.gov.uk/news/education… @EvidenceInEdu

🔊 ANNOUNCEMENT | Education Minister Paul Givan has today launched a draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. The strategy sets out plans to transform early learning and childcare in Northern Ireland which could cut costs for families by over 50%. 🔗Find out more: education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-chi…

@RealGeoffBarton I think the public got this one wrong.

🙁 #Strictly

@daisychristo It’s not really overruled, the recommendation is not accepted. Usually best to evaluate the overall position after reports and government responses are published. Or make clear these are no more than recommendations.

I spoke too soon - Progress 8 is NOT staying the same! Govt have overruled CAR and proposed changing it to incentivise arts subjects. Big change!! assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/690a8e53…

Education Minister @paulgivan celebrated #BookWeekNI during a visit to Park School this week. The Minister sat down with pupils to discuss how reading inspires creativity, confidence, and connection in the classroom. The pupils also shared some of their favourite books 📚 @BBCnireland @LibrariesNI

CLOSES TODAY | Calling all Teachers! The Teacher Survey on statutory assessment closes today. To have your say, visit education-ni.gov.uk/articles/asses…

📽️ WATCH | Tim Oates CBE, Chair of the Independent Review of Assessment Panel, invites educators, parents, and stakeholders to contribute to the Teacher Survey and Call for Evidence on statutory assessment in Northern Ireland. This is a unique opportunity to help shape future policy and practice. The Teacher Survey will remain open until 16 October and Call for Evidence until 30 October 2025. To have your say, visit education-ni.gov.uk/articles/asses…

@ALifeLongLearnt @Education_NI I’m delighted you have found this. I note the message states ‘ further to the email below dated 2nd October…’ Does this provide any clues as to why it didn’t reach you?

@MickGWalker @Education_NI Woohoo! Look what just came in there at 1757. Thanks. Coincidence? No Matter. Got it now. Can share with teachers on Monday.

📽️ WATCH | Dr Mick Walker, Member of the Independent Review of Assessment Panel, invites educators, parents, and stakeholders to contribute to the Call for Evidence on statutory assessment in Northern Ireland. The Teacher Survey will remain open until 16 October and Call for Evidence until 30 October 2025. To have your say, visit education-ni.gov.uk/articles/asses…

@ALifeLongLearnt @Education_NI Time will indeed tell, but I can assure you your cynicism is misplaced. All schools were emailed on the 2nd October with a follow-up email going out next Monday. And we are most definitely listening!

@Education_NI Call us cynical, but when you invite but don’t actually invite, consult but don’t actually listen, it suggests that the decisions have already been made and it’s all a box-ticking exercise. Time will tell. Same with AS levels I guess too.

You can access the teacher survey here: consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/teacher-sur… Do let me know if you have any difficulties accessing the survey.