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'Cut and paste' Ofsted reports denied.

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Started 11 months ago by weematt
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weematt

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Ofsted have denied the use of “cut and paste“ in recent school inspection reports. Almost identical wording is present in two school inspection reports.

In a statement released by Ofsted it said that
'Ofsted admits to certain similarities in the wording but believes that this is becoz the best possible wording woz chosen initially and woz impossible to improve upon.'

In a statement released by the head of PR for Tribal, the company employed by Ofsted to carry out the inspections, it said that
'Tribal admits to certain similarities in the wording but believes that this is becoz the best possible wording woz chosen initially and woz impossible to improve upon.'

Our reporter brought the similarity in these two statements to the attention of the Secretary of State for Education. In his letter of reply the Rt. Hon. Michael Gove said
'The Department of Education recognises certain similarities in the wording but believes that this is becoz the best possible wording woz chosen initially and woz impossible to improve upon.'

Posted 11 months ago #
Sinnick

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There's something to this title, though I have to say I don't like the body of the work; hence only 4*.

As a parent & governor, I've read several Ofsted reports, and there's certainly a feel of "copied from the internet" about their style.

Posted 11 months ago #
weematt

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Yes the sub isn't great. It has that "cut & paste" from something not very funny feel.
I would defend the use of cut & paste where multiple reports are being created as long as it is done with the brain in gear. No harm in recycling well constructed comments if they are appropriate.

Posted 11 months ago #
Golgo13

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Like it.

Posted 11 months ago #
dvo4fun

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@weematt: No harm in recycling well constructed comments if they are appropriate.True.

I used to 'quality check' other colleague's reports as part of my work. It takes increasingly greater effort, commitment and sometimes sheer bloody mindedness to come up with new ways to say essentially the same thing but it always struck me as laziness when a section about Mr Fred Bloggs' particular circumstances appeared unannounced in the middle of a report about Mrs Josephine Soa

Posted 11 months ago #
weematt

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@dvo4fun: I used to 'quality check' other colleague's reports as part of my work. It takes increasingly greater effort, commitment and sometimes sheer bloody mindedness to come up with new ways to say essentially the same thing but it always struck me as laziness when a section about Mr Fred Bloggs' particular circumstances appeared unannounced in the middle of a report about Mrs Josephine Soa

(sorry I never could resist the obvious)

Posted 11 months ago #
The All New Jeni B

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I actually thought that it was going to be a straight 'cut and paste' job of the original BBC article.
Which would have been what I'd have done and claimed showed 'creativity'...

Like the idea, but agree the body is a little weaker than I was expecting. All valid points though regarding there being only so many ways to write the same basic thing.

Which is the argument I use when accused of plagiarism at Uni...

Posted 11 months ago #
dvo4fun

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But how tough is your Uni Jeni?

At my own alma mater rumour was as follows. Student (A) had computer failure and borrowed one from Student (B) over the weekend before assignment due in. Much to joy of Student (B) found assignment already completed by Student (A) nestling in the memory.

Quick change of name and perhaps another one or two fine details> save as > ctrl/P [three copies > and staple up. Hey presto! Not booted out. May still be working as a social worker

Posted 11 months ago #
Duff

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Agree about the idea being strong here but as others suggest the sub could be stronger. Still made me laugh though.

Posted 11 months ago #
The All New Jeni B

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@dvo - very!!! Everything submitted is run through a plagiarism checker. If more than a certain percentage is flagged up, then the student is hauled in for questioning.

Has happened to number of students on my course, yet the irony of law students being punished for plagiarism escapes them...

Posted 11 months ago #
weematt

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I believe PUT NAME HERE is a very bright member of the forum. He/She always tries very hard and has earned all the success he/she has achieved to date. PUT NAME HERE contributes well to the forum and with slightly more effort can be a five star FP regular.

Posted 11 months ago #
FlashArry

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Makes a change from the "PUT NAME HERE has yet again belied his potential and needs to apply himself" that plagued me at school, university, work, relationship councellors etc

Posted 11 months ago #
waylandsmithy

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The headline is basically the BBC one. I think it needs more of a twist and to be a bit less obvious. Potentially funny.

Posted 11 months ago #
weematt

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I believe it is stating the obvious to say that the sub was a bit obvious. It was obviously obvious as was plain to see. I think the humour is not in the sub itself. The sub was intended to reflect the sad humour in the real life indefensible behaviour of Ofsted,their contractors and sponsors; unprofessional behaviour whilst criticising the professionalism of a couple of schools and the staff who operate them. A wry grin is about all I could expect.

On a point of order the BBC should have been reporting on COPY and paste. CUT and paste would leave gaping holes in the original. What a mess the internet would be in if it really was cut and paste.

Posted 11 months ago #
newsbiscuit editorial team

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There would seem to be lots of potential in the idea of Ofsted inspectors copying their reports from the internet, just as students are often accused of doing. Perhaps the inspectors have also got their parents to help them write their reports, and maybe there is a sense that writing inspection reports has got easier over time and standards are declining.

Would weematt or anyone else like to throw in some ideas and have another go at this?

Posted 11 months ago #

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