Subject associations, including the CA, respond to surge in demand for home learning support
UK Council for Subject Associations launches directory to support educators
Subject associations are experiencing a surge in demand for practical resources to support home learning as schools close to all but the children of key workers and move towards online teaching in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In response, the UK Council for Subject Associations (CfSA) has created a new online directory of organisations to guide parents and education professionals in need of specialist resources and support across all subjects.
Following calls from teachers, parents, and the UK Government, subject associations, including the Classical Association, have tailored hundreds of pupil resources for use by parents as standalone materials while retaining links to wider learning programmes. Some of these were made available via BBC Bitesize and other BBC channels on April 20. Meanwhile, associations are providing advice and support to thousands of schools and other education institutions around the world.
In recognition of the need for better information about the support and resources available to heads, teachers, Governors, Initial Teacher Training providers, newly qualified teachers, and other educationalists, the CfSA has also created a comprehensive directory of members and other organisations.
The directory brings together details of 25 subject associations as well as other organisations ranging from the National Association of Head Teachers to the National Governance Association. It details how each organisation assists practitioners in every subject taught in the classroom, including classical studies, which covers Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. The directory supports provision in schools and beyond, listing the type of help and professional resources available to both specialists and non-specialists and how to access them.
Chair of the Classical Association Teaching Board, Dr Sharon Marshall said: “The range and quality of online teacher support materials across the field of classical studies is a tremendous testament to the dedication of those professionals who have produced them and the vitality of the subject. Our Teaching Board is delighted to have the opportunity to ensure that these are readily accessible to teachers and everyone involved in home schooling”.
Chair of the UK Council for Subject Associations, Associate Professor Andy Connell, said: “Subject associations have responded rapidly to write and create resources that can be delivered at home by parents. This enormous surge in demand for specialist educational support and advice reflects the immediate need for content and expertise to provide the best possible education to children and young people at this challenging time.
“Heads, teachers, Governors, parents, and others need access to quality materials and support from a community of specialist experts more than ever. The challenge is finding this information quickly; the CfSA Directory provides instant access and a huge amount of signposting.”
Longer term, the CfSA is working with its members to address the poor retention rate in the teaching profession by providing teachers with access to support via like-minded professionals.
Andy Connell adds: “Around 40,000 teachers – approximately nine per cent of the total workforce – leave the profession every year. We often encounter newly qualified teachers who are unaware that the subject associations exist and that they can provide specialist knowledge resources, support, help, and a listening ear. Their mission is also to keep their finger on the pulse of what is going on in their subject, so they are the best way of staying up to date on the latest knowledge.
“Anecdotally, we hear of teachers who leave the profession because they are the only subject specialist at their school and are struggling with subject knowledge and confidence; they feel isolated and out of their depth and are surprised to learn that expert support was available to them.”
The CfSA directory also acts as a resource for Government officials looking for sources of specialist, expert advice from officially recognised subject organisations.
The new Subject Association Directory is available at:www.subjectassociations.org.uk
A consolidated guide to home schooling resources is available at: www.subjectassociations.org.uk
Notes to editors
Media enquiries:
Colin Hallmark, 3:nine Communications
Tel: 0207 736 1888
Email: beyondtheordinary@3nine.co.uk
Data sources:
• School Workforce Census 2017 and 2018, Department for Education
The Council for Subject Associations
The Council for Subject Associations (CfSA) is an umbrella organisation, independent of Government, which represents 25 Subject Associations nationally that focus on teaching the 4-18 age range and teacher education. Members are organisations established and run by qualified teacher practitioners, teacher educators and researchers from across sectors, subjects and age phases.
Subject Associations work independently, informing educators, policy makers and media about research and professional practice informed approaches to the curriculum, pedagogy, teacher training and professional development. The CfSA allows them to speak with a single voice on key issues and consultations.
www.subjectassociations.org.uk
BBC Bitesize
From April 20, parents and teachers can access regular daily lessons in English and Maths, as well as other core subjects, in an expanded version of the BBC Bitesize website and on special programmes broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button. Activities will be compelling, fun and easy to do at home, with no knowledge of how to teach and no extra equipment.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
The Classical Association
The Classical Association aims to promote the development and maintain the well-being of classical studies. As one of the UK’s largest classics charities, it provides financial and practical support to maintain and promote the teaching and study of the classical world in schools, universities and beyond. Its Teaching Board provides a platform for teachers, university lecturers and other classical education professionals to exchange views, disseminate information and co-ordinate activity with a view to promoting the study of classical subjects at all levels in UK schools.
www.classicalassociation.org