By: MaryA

MaryA — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:40:09 +0000

I absoloutely agree about the low standards even in what are termed ‘good state schools’. My 8 year old son really hated school and I had such a struggle to get him there. He is a bright boy who loves learning. He was in a class of 30, the majority struggling and the only aim seemed to be was to make everyone average. We moved him as the situation got so stressful, to an independent school. There are now 13 children in his class of mixed ability and he is really enjoying it.
He learns more in a day that he did in a week previously. The lessons are interesting and challenging but at the same time the children learn at their pace. It is so wrong that all the money that has gone into education seems to have been wasted but what really amazes me is that parents are willing to tolerate this complacency.

By: JulesE

JulesE — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:32:19 +0000

I can’t comment on whether basic standards have risen or fallen in the long term, but what I do know is that my 9-year-old (year 5) is constantly complaining about how boring school is. This started in year 3. He is a very inquisitive, enquiring child, and always full of questions and interested in new things at home – and when we go on a day out, or visit a new part of town, or talk about a new idea, he is always very engaged and makes the most of the opportunity. I would therefore expect him to enjoy school – but apart from his friends and playtime, he rarely seems to. My fear is that he will become disengaged and demotivated. I think the mornings at primary school, with the literacy hour and the numeracy hour, are very same-y. If a particular child has mastered a particular topic quickly – or is floundering totally out of their depth – these hours can seem endless. I like our school and I like and respect the teachers – but these accusations that they are being straitjacketed feel plausible to me.

Comments on: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By: MaryA

By: JulesE