Too many tests 'turn schools into boot camps'

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Too many exams: Primary schools waste too much time testing children

Primary schools waste too much time testing children and not enough teaching them, a senior Government adviser has warned.

Pressure on schools to achieve good grades means youngsters are simply being drilled to take exams, says Ken Boston, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

In a letter to Schools Minister Lord Adonis he says teachers must have a bigger say in assessing pupils, to stop schools becoming simply 'boot camps'.

Children in England are the most tested in Europe, sitting about 70 exams during their years in school.

Dr Boston says teachers fear the pressure to do well in school league tables is robbing youngsters of a balanced education.

In another letter he welcomed the Government's plan to try out different ways of testing them.

Pupils in ten pilot areas will take tests as soon as they are ready, rather than only at fixed ages of seven, 11 and 14.

Dr Boston said the pilot offers 'the chance to address the balance between the informed professional judgments of teachers and the results of external tests'.

Martin Johnson, deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, condemned the 'excessive' testing regime in schools.

'Time is nearly up for testing,' he said.

'Until the target-driven system is abandoned, the curriculum stands no chance of helping students learn the skills they need for life.'

However a Department for Children, Schools and Families spokesman said: 'Key stage testing is here to stay.

'Tests help parents to monitor their child's progress and see how their school is performing.'

 

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