GTC responds to report on primary education in England

The Primary Review has today issued a report on findings from its 87 'Community Soundings' witness sessions, conducted as part of the Review's overall investigation into primary education in England.

The soundings, which took place between January and March 2007, included meetings with those involved in the day-to-day work of primary schools together with parents, school governors, and people drawn from the wider community.

One of the key findings was that today’s children are under intense and perhaps excessive pressure from the policy-driven demands of their schools and the commercially-driven values of the wider society, Other findings were that the primary curriculum is too rigidly prescribed and, because of the pressure of SATs, too narrow, and also that primary pupils’ educational careers are being distorted by the dominance of the national tests, especially in Years 5 and 6.

In response, GTC Chief Executive Keith Bartley says, 'The findings from the Community Soundings conducted by the Primary Review pose challenges for policy makers well beyond education and right across Government. They should be examined in depth as part of the development of the Children’s Plan. I would particularly highlight two key points. Excessive testing and central prescription are narrowing the curriculum and are counterproductive. However, schools can and do have a powerful impact in helping children to feel empowered and optimistic through good teaching and by creating a strong school community.'

The Primary Review was launched in October 2006 as a wide-ranging independent enquiry into the condition and future of primary education in England. It is supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and based at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education. The Review is directed by Professor Robin Alexander. The Review has ten themes and four strands of evidence (submissions, community and national soundings, surveys of published research, and searches of official data). The report issued today related to the Community Soundings strand.  The full report is available at www.primaryreview.org.uk

See also: GTC submits evidence to Primary Review