Fifth of seven year olds struggle with writing
- Aug. 29, 2010
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Keywords:
- fifth
- seven
- struggle
- writing
- Not rated
Over one hundred thousand seven year olds are falling below the expected standards in writing, according to figures published by the Department of Education.
Around 104,700 (one in five) seven year old pupils are failing to reach level 2 in teacher assessments, which is the standard level expected in this age group.
Other key skills are closely following behind as 84,000 pupils (one in six) are not reaching the same level in reading, and 58,700 (one in ten) are not meeting the same level in maths.
Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, has said that despite the hard work of teachers and pupils, too many youngsters are still not reaching the standard level required:
"A solid foundation in reading, writing, maths and science in the early years of education is crucial to a childís success in later life."
General Secretary Designate of the National Association of Head Teachers, Russell Hobby, believes that parents of Key Stage one pupils will benefit from receiving information about their child that has been based on continuous assessment, not just their performance in a single test.
"Ministers need to recognise that national testing regimes are not the only game in town and that a teacher assessment based system is not only possible but is preferable for parents, pupils and educationalists."
