The Tory drive to combat ‘dumbing down’ in schools has fuelled a rise in Year Six SATs results, official figures show. Data from this spring’s tests shows results have been boosted by an improvement in maths scores – with a larger proportion meeting the required standard. The results will be seen as a vindication for former education secretary Michael Gove, who toughened up the curriculum in a bid to raise standards. According to tests carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, our pupils have leapt up nine places in maths and seven in reading over the last three years [File photo] The ‘maths mastery’ approach involves children being taught as a whole class, using textbooks, and paying more attention to basics such as times tables. Yesterday, Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘It’s good to see an improvement and the impact of the more traditional methods. ‘What’s more, … [Read more...] about SAT maths scores soar after Tory reforms toughened up the exams and told teachers to focus on the basics
Low bid scoring formula
Michael van Gerwen: Wayne Mardle reveals his formula for beating world No 1
Michael van Gerwen begins his bid for world title number four at Alexandra Palace this evening. How can you stop the irrepressible Dutchman? We asked the last man to beat MVG - our very own Wayne Mardle. Van Gerwen kicks off his World Championship defence against either former BDO world champion Jelle Klaasen or Kevin Burness and having scooped four of the last six major televised events, MVG heads to the capital full of confidence.However, 'Hawaii 501' rolled back the years to defeat Van Gerwen in an exhibition event in Grantham a fortnight ago and he's revealed the formula for overcoming the best player on the planet… Live World Darts Championship December 13, 2019, 7:00pm Live on … [Read more...] about Michael van Gerwen: Wayne Mardle reveals his formula for beating world No 1
Coal auctions: JSPL bid for Chhattisgarh block in trouble
NEW DELHI: The government has decided to reject Jindal Steel & Power Ltd’s (JSPL) Rs 230-per-tonne bid for a captive coal block in Chhattisgarh, claiming the valuation to be too low even though the company was the highest bidder for it in the recent round of auctions, a senior official said. JSPL said it was not aware of any such decision on the Gare Palma IV/1 block and that it expected the government to decide fairly on the matter. All other blocks will be awarded to the successful bidders in the auctions held in the first week of November, the official said. The coal block was auctioned earlier in 2015 as well when it had received a Rs 1,585-per-tonne quote from the Vedanta group’s Bharat Aluminium Company (Balco), the official told ET. “Even that was rejected as low by the coal ministry. How can the government now accept this bid which is too low than the previous rejected bid?” In response to ET’s queries, JSPL said its closing bid of Rs 230 … [Read more...] about Coal auctions: JSPL bid for Chhattisgarh block in trouble
West Ham players fear toxic stadium atmosphere will damage survival bid
West Ham United’s players fear the toxic atmosphere at the London Stadium will harm their battle against relegation after their 3-0 defeat by Burnley on Saturday was marred by furious supporter demonstrations against David Gold and David Sullivan, the club’s co-owners. Although David Moyes called for his team to stick together following an afternoon of chaos that left them three points above the bottom three, there is concern within West Ham’s dressing room that their fight to stay in the Premier League will be derailed now the fanbase appears to have lost all faith in the board. The east London club have launched an investigation and are braced for a heavy fine from the Football Association after the London Stadium’s security failings were exposed by four pitch invasions, hundreds of supporters gathering in front of the directors’ box to vent their feelings, the police receiving two assault allegations and Sullivan’s glasses saving him from serious … [Read more...] about West Ham players fear toxic stadium atmosphere will damage survival bid
Australia stick to winning formula for New Zealand Tests
ADELAIDE: Australia heavily hinted on Tuesday they will field the same XI for their opening Test against New Zealand to the one that thrashed Pakistan, with selectors keen to build a core group of players. Tim Paine's men have proven to far more consistent in recent months, having retained the Ashes in England before a 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan, culminating in their thumping innings and 48-run win in Adelaide on Monday. Tough opposition awaits with the arrival this month of New Zealand for three Tests -- in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney -- and selectors named an unchanged 13-man squad. "As we said prior to the Pakistan series, we are striving to maintain a core group of players," said national selector Trevor Hohns. "The performance of the team against Pakistan was very impressive across all areas." The only omission from the squad was spare batsman Cameron Bancroft, who was on standby but did not play against Pakistan. That means the same batting line-up will start against … [Read more...] about Australia stick to winning formula for New Zealand Tests
Indian Premier League: Star India, Chettinad Cement Among 21 Entitites to Buy Bid Document
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been banned for two years from the Indian Premier League. © PTI New Delhi: Star India and Chettinad Cement are among the companies which have bought the bid document for buying the two new teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). (Indian Premier League to Name Two New Teams Which Will Replace Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals on December 8) Apart from Star and Chettinad, it is learnt that Cycle Brand Aggarbatti has also bought bid document from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). "There are 21 corporates and large business houses which have bought bid documents. Now buying bid documents doesn't necessarily mean participating in the bid," a top BCCI official said. While Star Sports are official broadcasters of India's home matches as well as matches in Australia, England and International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, thinking about buying an IPL team could be a significant development. On the other hand, … [Read more...] about Indian Premier League: Star India, Chettinad Cement Among 21 Entitites to Buy Bid Document