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Press Release

End of single level tests should be start of further reforms

7 September 2010

Voice: the union for education professionals has commented on the ending of the single level tests pilot, announced today.

Senior professional officer (education) Ian Toone said: "Children are tested too much so we are pleased that the scheme – which was only a pilot for English reading, English writing and mathematics – will not be rolled out nationally. Annual tests such as these encourage teaching to the test rather the teaching of a broad and balanced education.

"We hope that these tests will not be replaced with others. The next logical step would be to scrap the remaining key stage 2 tests.

"Voice would prefer to see fewer exams and tests and greater use of teacher assessment. The current system of exam-based 'accountability' is for the benefit of the government, rather than for providing information for parents and taxpayers, and teachers' professional judgment would provide a better and more cost-effective measure of pupils' progress.

"We have welcomed the education secretary's wish to 'declutter' A levels [http://www.blog.voicetheunion.org.uk/?p=1448]. We hope that this will be extended to the whole exams system."



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Voice: the union for education professionals

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