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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

An excellent article exploring this issue & our desperate need for more intelligent debate.
Studies on insider-outsider group prejudices address an important element of racism. In white majority contexts, there's empirical evidence to support Abbot's comments.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

Huge thanks to colleagues at Arad, who are leading the overarching formative evaluation of CfW research & supported the research, and all my colleagues at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

The study highlights a number of dilemmas faced by policy makers and schools when attempting to support EI through more individualised approaches to curriculum design in systems with stretched resources and based on subsidiarity.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

This was a relatively small-scale qualitative study based on semi-structured research conversations with members of SLT and practitioners in nine schools (primary & secondary) & one PRU drawn from across the nation. We are very grateful to all participants for their contribution.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

Our findings related to five key themes: changes to learners’ experiences of education; how schools are reviewing learning experiences & progress; identifying learners' needs & providing support; system capacity challenges; variability in practice.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jul 18

Our important study on how CfW is supporting equity and inclusion has been published by the Welsh Government. The research highlights the EI work being done across Welsh schools, the challenges they face & key tensions which will need to overcome.
www.gov.wales/equity-and-i...

Equity and inclusion in the Curriculum for Wales: a qualitative study | GOV.WALES

This report presents findings from qualitative research with senior leaders and practitioners exploring the theme of equity and inclusion in the Curriculum for Wales.

www.gov.wales

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · May 16

It's one thing to measure grit or growth mindset in psychological studies, another to operationalise insights that actually benefit individuals in the complex contexts of their lives.

www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...

Children to be taught to show some ‘grit’

Pupils need more robust mental health, say ministers in drive to tackle worklessness crisis

www.telegraph.co.uk

Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Apr 5

I went to the supermarket on my bike this morning. As I was leaving a group of 3 teenage boys, I approached: Excuse me, sir, would you like an ice-cream? We bought a box of 4 and have 1 over."
We need to worry about misogyny & violence influencing boys. But let's never be quick to judge either.

Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

What this transformation of global politics entails is hard to imagine. A politically disengaged, under-educated population within a democracy is vulnerable to manipulation. Just read the ancient democratic critique in Aristophanes' play 'Knights'. Who will be the next Sausage Seller?

Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

If Europe resists Trump’s deal, US retaliation is likely. A compromise may be attempted—but Trump doesn’t do diplomacy. He does business. Europe has potential trade leverage, but it's not united, especially with the UK chasing its own economic recovery. (9/10) #economy

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

Europe now faces a decision: accept Trump’s lie & pressure Ukraine into concessions, or bankroll Ukraine’s resistance— perhaps, securing a European-Ukraine mineral deal instead. Either way, the risk to Europe of further Russian aggression escalates. (8/10) #Ukrainewar #EuropeanUnion

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

The US has no interest in allowing Russia to seize Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This was a reality Trump and J.D. Vance sought to erase—hence their frustration when Zelensky refused to be manipulated. (7/10)
#Zelensky #OvalOffice

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

For Trump, Ukraine isn’t an ally—it’s a bargaining chip. Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia hinges on US military support, but their resistance should not be underestimated. However, even if they hold back Russian advances, their economic stability will be severely disrupted. (6/10)

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

This was clear in the Oval Office. Trump wasn’t acting as a diplomat but as a businessman. His goal? Access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, which will be critical in the next phase of AI-driven digitalisation. And likely, a side deal with Putin over fossil fuels. (5/10)

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

Both Putin and Trump use this method. Lies, contradictions, jingoism, and prejudice aren’t mistakes—they are tools. Putin has full state control. Trump, lacking that, builds alliances with social media, the capitalist elite, and his own self-belief as a dealmaker. (4/10)

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

Did this mistake happen in the Oval Office? At first glance, yes. But a bigger factor was at play: the post-truth paradigm—or more accurately, truth by effect. This is the manufacturing of ‘truths’ through disinformation, propaganda, and emotional manipulation. (3/10)

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

Diplomacy depends on social codes, formal protocols, and careful language. That doesn’t mean it’s tame or civilised—but only an incompetent actor would mistake business negotiation for the art of statecraft. (2/10)
#artofthedeal #diplomacy #posttruth

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Mar 1

In business, parties seek maximum advantage with minimal obligation. Even complex deals remain limited in scope. Diplomacy, however, is different. Its consequences are unpredictable, and unintended fallout is often severe. (1/10)
#ovalofficmugging #presidentTrump #VPJDVance #presidentZelensky

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Feb 28

This is the grim face of capital manifest in political power. Trump isn't interested in anything but how money can be made from Ukraine's situation. Money for the elites. All Western governments have been complicit in this kind of thing, just not as explicitly.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c6...

Trump tells Zelensky 'make a deal or we're out' in angry White House meeting - follow live

A joint news conference is cancelled after the US president calls his Ukrainian counterpart

www.bbc.co.uk

Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Feb 27

If the English national curriculum is going to change, please can we make sure kids learn to critically evaluate the promises of politicians, understand how capital operates to exploit workers & be empowered to participate fully in all aspects of civil society. Otherwise, what's the point.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Feb 5

Thoughtful review of my book in the British Journal of Educational Studies:
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/ZDE8R...

Values, Relationships and Engagement in Quaker Education: Student Perspectives on Inclusive School Cultures

Published in British Journal of Educational Studies (Ahead of Print, 2025)

www.tandfonline.com

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jan 26

How can I embrace a process in a way that makes my learners feel more valued and connected to the knowledge at the heart of my teaching? We need to focus on ensuring that every change in education builds the relational dynamics of learning, including how new knowledge is encountered as 'other'.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jan 26

When processes become automated and merely administrative, their potential to connect positively with learners diminishes. It’s crucial for educators to remember that learning is inherently relational. Every process should be viewed through this lens to maintain meaningful connections with students.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jan 26

Second, they ensure that reluctant pupils, often from backgrounds of disadvantage, are counted within the system. Previously, if they didn’t complete tasks, it could be seen as solely their fault. Now, schools can identify extra support needs, creating a more inclusive environment for all learners.

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Dr Nigel Newton @drnnewton.bsky.social · Jan 26

Even comparing test scores from one year to another is often meaningless without controlling variables and when sample sizes are so small.
However, these processes can be beneficial. First, they ensure every learner feels their work matters to the teacher, which can be empowering and motivating.

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