Out of weakness: the ‘educational good’ in late antiquity

This paper explores the nature of the educational good as it appears in late antiquity, arguing that the ‘good’ variously promised by education is in a state of perpetual deferral. This extends the tradition of ancient Greek philosophy where wisdom is to be forever approached but never realised. Three exemplary cases are considered: the educational good as it appears under the auspices of the Roman tutor; as it is manifested in Christian baptismal practices; and as it is practiced in early Christian monasticism. To lure willing subjects into an educational relationship whose fruits will ultimately never be realised, the educator must respectively employ techniques of seduction, suspicion and diversion

Does governance matter for school improvement?

The governance of schools reconstituted by the Conservative Education Reform Acts of 1986/88 has been the subject of review since the turn of the century, with questions raised about the roles and responsibilities of governing bodies. Do governors as volunteers have too many responsibilities? Do they contribute to school improvement? Do they matter? This paper reports on a national study of governance and school improvement in Wales. It presents original data that shows an association between good governance – especially the practice of scrutiny – and the performance of schools