Educator’s Corner Ep 12: Beyond OFSTED, Curriculum Reform and AI

In this episode, we speak with Lord Jim Knight, a prominent figure in education and technology, about moving beyond Ofsted, curriculum reform, and the impact of AI on education.

Lord Knight, former Minister of State for Schools and member of Gordon Brown's cabinet, is currently non-executive chair of several organisations including E-Act, Century Tech, STEM Learning and COBIS. He shares his journey from theatre manager and sales rep to politician and education reformer.

Key topics discussed:

• Findings and conclusions from the Beyond Ofsted review, which Lord Knight recently chaired
• Challenges in moving past the paradigm of targets, testing and league tables
• What Ofsted could learn from international school accreditation systems
• Potential for significant curriculum reform as Professor Becky Francis begins an extensive review for schools in England and Wales
• Lord Knight's best hopes and worst fears for AI in education
• Advice for school leaders on implementing AI in their schools

Lord Knight offers valuable insights on reforming school inspections, reimagining the curriculum, and thoughtfully integrating AI into education. His perspective as both a former government minister and current education leader provides a unique view on these critical issues facing schools today.

 

Links:

• Beyond Ofsted report: https://beyondofsted.org.uk/
• Single headline Ofsted grades scrapped in landmark school reform:
• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/single-headline-ofsted-grades-scrapped-in-landmark-school-reform
• COBIS letter to Secretary of State, September 2023: https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/specialist-sector/international-schools-call-exam-curriculum-refresh
• COBIS accreditation: https://www.cobis.org.uk/services/accreditation
• BSO inspections:
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-schools-overseas-inspection-reports/british-schools-overseas-accredited-schools-inspection-reports
• The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better (Due to be published on 7 January 2025) by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop: https://a.co/d/57jWDN4
• Jim Knight | LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jimpknight