University News Last updated 04 July 2019
A new book examining modern-day issues in primary education such as radicalisation, prejudice-based bullying and relationships education has been published.
Written by Birmingham City University Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, Gary Pykitt, 'Shifting Sands' unpicks a range of issues primary teachers are faced with and suggests approaches and resources to address them in the classroom.
The book has been published by Critical Publishing, to offer practical advice to teachers on tackling some of the key issues facing the profession.
Publication comes as the first official guidance on online safety education calls for children to be taught about the dangers of ‘sexting’ and pornography at school
It also follows recent protests against relationships education lessons encompassing all types of relationship, including same-sex, delivered at a Birmingham school.
Informed by many years’ experience as a primary school teacher, school governor and vice-chair of a multi-academy trust, Pykitt’s practical understanding of challenges faced by the primary education sector is at the heart of the book.
Pykitt explained: “Teachers these days wear many hats. They are responsible for much more than teaching and learning, they must cover everything from keeping children safe online to spotting mental health and wellbeing concerns.
“As political agendas change new policies are introduced, teachers are expected to be experts in everything, but all too often there is little guidance to accompany the new policies. They are expected to be experts regardless of whether they have had any guidance or training in the area.
“My book aims to address some of the modern day issues teachers face in the classroom with a practical focus so that teachers feel better equipped to deal with those issues when they arise.”
The book is available to buy from Amazon and forms part of a series published by Critical Publishing.
Find out more about the University’s School of Education and Social Work on the University’s website.