Spending on books dwarfed by ICT

BBC NEWS | Education | Spending on books dwarfed by ICT

We are living in an age of technological development which, at present, is often lead by our pupils. As schools we fall behind what the children themselves are able to achieve with ICT. Therefore schools get caught up spending money on shiny new toys to entertain their pupils. In my experience this does not work.

Pupils need access to ICT, absolutely, however far more important is the opportunity to utilse the communication possibilities in ICT! They therefore need to know how and why communication works and this includes books! Without the love of reading children will not be able to express themselves creatively and all the technology in the world is not going to help.

University Idol

Reading through this article, BBC NEWS | Education | 'Talent search' plan under attack, I can't help but think that primary schools are yet again being asked to put their pupils in the spotlight. As primary/early secondary educators our natural inclination, I believe, is to allow children to flourish free from the pressures that we all know they will be under further along in the academic and professional careers.

The General Secretary of the Association of School & College Leaders, John Dunford:

"Key stage 2 tests should not be used for this purpose [to register children with the National Academy for Gifted & talented Youth]. These are tests for attainment, not potential.

"That is why most secondary schools re-test children on entry at 11 - to establish their potential."

He said it would put yet more pressure on children whose test results were already used to grade their achievement, diagnose their learning problems, pay their teachers and put their schools into league tables.

In our sector we know that children are placed under far more pressure than their peers in maintained schools. So as school leaders we are charged with ensuring a breadth of exprience to offset this. Our children are growing up fast enough without further pressure to perform bing place on their young shoulders.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | Slap on wrist for private schools in fees cartel

Thought you may want the update, in case you missed it:

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | Slap on wrist for private schools in fees cartel