Freedom to choose schools

Press, 26 December 1979, Page 10

Freedom to choose schools

Sir, — I write as a 30-year-oid product of our State education system, a parent of children in the system and a State primary and secondary school teacher who no longer has faith in the State primary system. I have lost faith because too many average and above ability children arrive at high school unable to communicate effectively. Formal grammar and spelling appear to have been ignored. New maths confuses rather than helps understanding. Open plan classrooms are physically and emotionally unhealthy. Teachers worry too much about self image and often strive, by fair means or foul, to “win the kids over.” Primary principals too often “sit on the fence” and rush to protect teachers when parents’ criticism is justified. Children are not getting the routines and disciplines essential to their security and few are encouraged to work to potential which leads to disruption fuelled by boredom. — Yours, etc., D. BENNETT December 20, 1979.