University News Last updated 15 June 2011
School Academies have been the focus of much debate. In a public lecture later this week a Birmingham City University Professor will dispel the myths surrounding Academies and explain why they inspire such debate and criticism.
Professor Fiona Church, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences, will look at the educational effect School academies have had during their nine years of existence in various incarnations. Why is there confusion over their purpose? Have they achieved their original aims and do they have a positive effect on the communities they are based in? Is there something about academies that is better, different, inspirational? Why do they inspire such debate and criticism?
Professor Church said: “Some Teachers, Unions, Politicians and Parents have been vehemently opposed to what they see as the ‘privatisation’ of education – with funding diverted from local authorities and mainstream schools into independent academies.
Successive conservative, labour and now coalition governments have developed the concept. All have been in agreement on the need to improve standards and provide choice in education.
“If I’m honest I am neither for nor against Academy Schools. Although what I do advocate is the need for good schools, supported by the state for all our children. Given the continuing part academies now play in our education system it is important for Schools of Education to maintain a critical overview of academies performance but offer to all schools, academies included, a partnership approach to improving the educational opportunities in the region.”
‘Academy Schools – Law, Policy and Social Effect’ will take place on Thursday 16th June at 6.00pm in Kenrick Lecture Theatre, City North Campus. Attendance to the lecture is free, and open to all with an interest in education policy, the future of schools and the educational experience of young people. For further information, please contact Sally Greaves on 0121 331 7318 or email sally.greaves@bcu.ac.uk
The lecture will take place as part of Universities Week (13-19 June 2011), a national campaign which aims to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have gone to university themselves. For further information, see www.universitiesweek.org.uk
Birmingham City University is running a major awareness campaign in the Midlands to demonstrate how it is upgrading the future of individuals and companies. Find out more at www.bcu.ac.uk