A study published today shows that teachers and pupils agree that active participation and talking about their ideas in the classroom helps children learn more effectively than using ICT just because it is available. The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, recommends that future ICT procurement should be based on improving pupil involvement. 

Britain is dropping behind in the global health race, according to a report published today by the independent think tank Reform. It suggests that to catch up, Britain’s universal healthcare for everyone is combined with the insurance ideas that underpin global health leaders.
The report puts the case for a National Health Protection System, under which individuals would be able to invest a 2,000 pounds a year tax-funded premium to guarantee their healthcare. 

By Gemma Burgess
This report of a study by Cambridge University suggests many women are being factored out of planning schemes and local authorities are failing to consider women’s needs in their planning. The Gender Equality Duty, introduced in 2007, was designed to stop the problem, but it has clearly failed to do so.