Agenda item

A summary of schools that have completed the scrutiny survey is attached.

A selection of reports on the social factors impacting on attainment are attached. These have been provided by Professor Steve Strand, who presented at the recent Southwark Headteachers Executive conference.

6.1  The chair invited Edna Mathieson, a local resident, to comment on the topic and her work locally. She explained that her interest is in raising white working class achievement; she is a teacher and academic and is presently working with LSE University. She founded Southwark Community Education Council which holds literacy and math lessons at James Allynes School and a Saturday school at Dulwich School, with Maths, English and Drama.

6.2  Members asked why these schools were used and she explained that  the project wanted to set up a Saturday school to combat the gross under achievements of working class children , however  state schools would have to charge for a  caretaker as they do not  open on the weekend , but Dulwich School are is, which  keeps cost down .

6.3  She went on to explain that she was keen to draw upon the research work done by Lambeth Council on ways local schools are raising white working class achievement. This was conducted by Feyisa Demie and is outlined in a publication and led to a conference supported by the Institute of Education.

6.4  A member commented that the committee should be considering both how and why working class children achieve and consider motivation, including the chance to have a job at the end. The quality of teachers is also crucial.

6.5  The chair invited comments on the reports circulated and a member noted the mention on genetics and commented that this would not be an acceptable topic for Jewish people, for example. Another member commented that the Select Committee report looked into genetics as a factor in white working class under achievement, which is outrageous. A member agreed, however added that the report challenged the evidence.

RESOLVED

Edna Mathieson will provide a copy of work undertaken in Lambeth with white working class pupils , produced by Feyisa Demie and Kirston Lewis , and details of a conference held in June 2014. 

The chair, and available committee members, will meet with Edna Mathieson to discuss her work further.