Scrapping Of Exams Will Put The Fun Back Into Learning

gingerdad

Take from the iomonline.co.im:

It seems some govertments have seen sense on the amount of testing that goes on in UK Schoos

"THE fun has been put back into learning with the decision to scrap formal exams for 11 and 14-year-olds.
Key stage two and three exams have been scrapped by the Department of Education and replaced by teacher assessment, a move welcomed by teachers' unions.

Tom Thomson, Isle of Man branch secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said Standard Assessment Test exams only assessed a small portion of what was taught, whereas teacher assessment would give a comprehensive picture of a child's attainment.

Applauding the change, Mr Thomson said: 'Children will no longer need to go through the anxiety and worry that some certainly do in order to prove themselves during a particular week in May.'

Andrew Shipley, branch secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, added: 'It will probably better reflect the progress of pupils and eliminate the pressure of a formal examination at a time when these children should be enjoying school and the joy of learning.'

He said the assessments — which will be monitored by the department — must not be at the expense of teaching and learning and cause an increase in teacher workload.

DoE senior adviser Stuart Dobson said assessments will allow teachers to form a balanced overall view of each pupil, rather than relying on how they perform on the day of the test.

Teachers will be able to inform students of their strengths and areas for improvement on an ongoing basis, he explained.

Mr Thomson said: 'Trust in teachers' judgments has to be applauded, they need to be aware of children's attainments in order to be able to teach them effectively.'

He added: 'The children and the quality of education they will receive here in the Island will remain unchanged.

'The pressure to succeed in tests at such a young age will be removed and the world at large will gain a much better picture of the people who will become the future.'

Key stage one SATs were replaced by assessments last year. Assessments for 11-year-olds at the end of key stage two and 14-year-olds at the end of key stage three will be implemented in the 2006 summer term.
28 December 2005"


Will England follow suit... lets hope so

Ellie2758

or maybe it will follow suit...................;)

Ellie