A superb editorial in the Telegraph
June 11, 2012
The editorial in the Telegraph today heralds Michael Gove's recent initiative to improve teaching and learning in the primary sector. I'm in full agreement with what he's proposing, and relieved that after many years the maintained sector wants to aspire to the exceptional standards found in numerous prep schools. In my visits to prep schools (78 as of today since my Headship started, and still more to come!) I've always been amazed by the importance of learning times tables, declaiming poetry, speaking in public and learning languages. Many schools send their pupils away for a while to sister schools in Europe to improve language skills. I also have discovered the very central importance that art, music and drama has on developing confidence in children.
The key word in this leader is in the last paragraph: Challenge. We must challenge our pupils to do better at all times, in everything, to instil confidence and develop key skills. We must challenge and support our staff to aspire to excellent results. This initiative is ultimately very good news.