Increase age for starting school
There is an opportunity to radically change education in Scotland. A previous study in 2016 looked at the model of other countries such as Sweden and Finland where Primary Education begins at age 7. If we were to follow this model it would be beneficial to the children allowing them to develop their resilience and emotional maturity and reduce in attentiveness and disruption to classes. This would also reduce the pressure on returning children, teachers and wider education.
For return to school following lockdown classes would return to the year that they left to cover the education missed therefor there would be no new intake at Primary 1 and those at secondary school that are of leaving age/already left could be given the option to return to sit actual exams for grades based on their sumbitted papers rather than those given this year.
For those that would have started school they would remain in preschool education.
There is obviously the financial impact and the added workload for preschool workers as their intake would increase. There would have to be recruitment for the early years sector to ensure the correct ratios are met.
Further study would be required and consultation with parents and teaching unions would be required.
Why the contribution is important
It will reduce school numbers for the coming school year (20/21)
In future years more children will be emotionally mature for starting Primary education.
It will reduce pressure on teaching staff to deliver education Primary and Secondary)
It will fill the education gap left by lockdown by repeating the year.
by Mmcknic on May 06, 2020 at 05:51AM
Posted by MairiMac3 May 06, 2020 at 15:00
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