Primary school pupils

ePolitix.com stakeholders comment on Conservative proposals to make failing pupils repeat their last year of primary school.

 

Stakeholder response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

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Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said:

"We can see why the Conservatives suggest making children stay on an extra year in primary school if they have not met the agreed standards, but it is a bad idea.

"Children don't learn by getting more of the same. Secondary school offers them the opportunity to learn a wider range of subjects taught by specialist teachers. 

"It gives children a fresh start in a new environment.

"The Conservatives also need to consider that children who are forced to stay behind will resent and reject a further year at primary school. The last thing they need is to feel like failures. 

"Instead we need, both at primary and secondary levels, a curriculum that inspires and engages all children, rather than the current endless written tests and narrow curriculum. 

"A skills-based curriculum would help many more youngsters to achieve their potential, and it is what politicians from all parties should concentrate on introducing."