Delay new schooling until Jan’21

Children should not embark on any new learning until Jan ‘21. Children should stay in their current school year until we have established our new normal. Let the phasing back to school be about revision and health and well being, when it is SAFE to do so.

The school year could be changed to run from Jan-Dec and holidays moved about to suit society today and prevent pupil and teacher burnout.

The government should take this golden opportunity to raise the school starting age and implement a Kindergarten stage. There is overwhelming evidence for the benefits of this (See Upstart Scotland’s website). Our school starting age was established in the Victorian era to suit society back then.

Home schooling should not be counted towards anyone’s education. It is far too varied to be considered as such. Everyone is trying their best, schools and parents, but the reality is we are treading water at best.

Why the contribution is important

It is the education of our future generation that is at stake. They should be kept safe and they are all entitled to a proper education. It is our most vulnerable children who will end up suffering the most.

by Teach1 on May 11, 2020 at 12:44AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.5
Based on: 6 votes

Comments

  • Posted by AlJones May 11, 2020 at 08:51

    Scotland uses ‘learning through play’ for Early Years and that works well. But many kids are ready to learn and not being mentally stimulated is bad for their well-being. My son is primary 1. He is thriving with numeracy and literacy during home schooling but seriously missing out on every other aspect of school. In no way would I agree for him to be ‘held back’. Not all children are being ‘home schooled’. Plenty of schools are teaching their children online on a daily basis. It’s unfortunate that this same standard of education is not consistent across the country and that those who are missing out on it aren’t being given the chance to join in with the teaching from other schools.
  • Posted by Teach1 May 11, 2020 at 09:24

    Your son will continue to thrive no matter what, it is our most vulnerable children who will not. We need to think about them. Schools are doing everything they can to ensure everyone is given the same opportunity but in reality, due to many different circumstances, this is not always received.
  • Posted by CTracey May 11, 2020 at 17:34

    Our school year should be brought in line with calendar year and not suit seasonal farming year. Terms could be balanced eg 10 weeks per term. School starting age raised to +5. Holidays no more than 4 weeks at a time. Tackle child poverty.
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