Brentford School for Girls

London Mayor Boris Johnson visited the constituency again yesterday. He did a Question & Answer session with pupils at Brentford Girls School, yesterday, which I had the pleasure to be at along with members of Housnlow council.

It was a typical energetic performance from Boris, who answered a bag full of questions from the smart, well behaved girls at the school: the Olympics, food, cycling, trains, buses, walking and crime all came up. My only surprise, given last week’s High Court decision, was that there were no questions on Heathrow!

Education is a key policy area for a potential Conservative administration so if you want more details see here: http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Schools.aspx

Class game shows to help learning

The Government's latest proposal is to use TV quizes and game shows in the classroom to improve discipline and behaviour in schools.

As a school governor, I know how important it is to make classes as interesting as possible so that children learn. If children understand what is being taught and feel they are learning and achieving results... their behaviour improves. That does not mean however, that teachers have to resort to game shows. Let us leave teachers to define the instructional strategy they use as they are the experts. What is important that children are learning and getting the best education possible in whatever school they attend.

Discipline in the classroom is an issue and teachers do need more power to deal with it. If we can sort out bad behaviour at this early stage, then it will save us years of issues in the criminal courts.

Are A-levels getting easier?

A-level results are out today. I remember the feeling (just!) of anticipation and nervousness as I opened the dreaded brown envelope.

The overall UK pass rate this year is 97.2%, which is the 26th year in a row it has risen. But are they getting easier or are students just getting smarter? I am not sure anyone knows the answer to this but we should be questioning if A-levels are the right educational assessment method. Is something broader needed so that students do not just specialise in three subjects? An English Baccalaureate is already being considered.

It is also interesting that there is a regional divide with results, with the South East of England getting the most As and the North East getting the least. Although this may be explained by the large numbers of independent schools in the SE, it does though highlight how important it is to ensure excellent education is made available for all children. We need to make the most of every individual talent, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Strand on the Green raising money

Last weekend I was at the Strand on the Green school fete.

There was a fabulous crowd of people there as usual. I bumped into Cllr Peter Thompson and his family amongst the crowd - everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves in the sunshine. It was different to last year when the heavens opened mid afternoon.

The food was excellent... I arrived just in time for lunch! Cllr Sam Hearn was helping at the burger stall but I headed for the excellent Thai food with Cllr Paul Lynch and his wife.

Well done to Mark Newton and the school staff, as well as the parents and locals who make this event a great success every year. Hopefully lots of money was raised for the school!

Photo: Mark Newton (Head of Infant School) with Mary and Cllr Paul Lynch at Strand on the Green school in Chiswick

Education ignored in the Budget

The latest Budget from the Labour Government is just bad news for so many people. The budget cannot hide the high debt, high interest rates, higher taxes and now lower growth across the country. The tax take will be £2.8bn a year higher by 2010, which is £110 more for every family.

Most leading economists believe there will be a downturn in the months ahead...and we are badly prepared. Nothing has been put aside to help deal with the bad times and the cost of living is already rising fast.

So what was in this budget?
- Biggest alcohol tax rise for a generation
- 70% of motorists will pay more Vehicle Excise Duty
- Borrowing levels have soared (£7bn higher next year than this)
- Growth is down
- Ignored public opinion on a national road pricing scheme and it will go ahead
- No new money for key areas e.g. education and defence

What more are we getting for our money? In my view.....nothing!

What we need is a new Conservative Government and George Osborne as the new Chancellor.

David Willetts in Isleworth

It was great to see David Willetts MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, University and Skills, when he visited the constituency this week.

He met with Thalia Marriott, the Principal at West Thames College in Isleworth, then went on to visit the Skills Centre and the Borough Youth Service in Feltham with Cllr Mark Bowen, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Feltham & Heston.

Further education and training is critically important for the future generation. West Thames College is an outstanding example of giving opportunities to many young people to develop their skills and their experience. It has also made a huge contribution to equality and diversity. We met some great students who are really good role models, in having taken the initiative and challenge to create a better future for themselves. We need more young people like them.

Photo -
Front row: David Willetts MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, University & Skills), Thalia Marriott (West Thames College Principal), Mary Macleod (Conservative Parliamentary Candidate)
Back row: Cllr Lin Davies, Cllr Barbara Reid, Billy Elliot (West Thames College Assistant Principal)

Linking Brentford with Rwanda

This week I returned from a few days in Rwanda. The aim of the visit was to twin Brentford School for Girls with Kayonza Modern Secondary School. We had an amazing time and got a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the school. It was definitely the start of a long and special relationship.

Rwanda is one of Africa's poorest countries, which in the past descended into unimaginable barbarism during the genocide in 1994. 1 million people were massacred in 90 days - a faster killing rate than in the Holocaust.

Now, 14 years later, the Rwandan people are inspiring. The optimism, courage and resourcefulness of the people will never leave me. Against the odds, they are creating a new community after one of the most tragic episodes in history. They have learned how to survive and how to hope again. Out of the pain and despair, has come a future of forgiveness and unity. They talked to us about how they work together, share responsibility, trust and support each other in their communities. Here, in a small, remote country in Africa, is the perfect example of what we need to achieve here in Britain. This is what I believe Conservatism is about.