My first day of research started with a full program of briefings at the DfE and Ofsted. Ofsted - Her Majesty's Inspectorate- is based in a listed heritage building on the Kingsway and the DfE in leased premises owned by offshore interests that has a limited timeframe for occupancy. In some ways this difference reflects the contrasting cultures of the organisations: one steeped in a history 140 years old from Queen Victoria's time when she established the concept of external inspections of schools for 'public accountability for public funds' and to ensure 'the safety of children'. The DfE presents as an organisation responding to an extensive reform agenda guided by conservative politics, grappling with many of the educational policy issues confronting Australia. But doing so in a top down managerial way by hands-on Ministers with clear and decisive, at first blush radical, changes to the systems of schooling.Technology presents unlimited opportunity for a transparency agenda that has become a driving principle for change....
Incidental sightseeing including the magnificent Westminster Abbey located 20 steps from the DfE and Marble Arch standing proudly on a throbbing shopping strip on Oxford St.
Not Marble Arch but the neighbouring deans residence.
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