We have all had enough of radical changes. What we need is for teachers to be left alone to teach, and for things we already have to be given a chance to work. The scheme to scrap GCSE and A-levels is a case in point. The Confederation of British Industry is right to reject it.
Recently I went to a conference on remodelling the workforce, the healthy schools initiative, and helping staff to cope with stress. This last issue is not entirely disconnected with the first two.
I have a proposal: once a month, staff should don academic gowns or Sergeant Pepper-style uniforms and children clown costumes. After a solemn procession, they all would gather round a brazier in the playground to watch that month’s crop of radical government initiatives being ceremonially burned. Such a festival would provide a welcome catharsis.
Stephen Booth Chairman of governors Ellel St John’s primary school 9 Ash Avenue Galgate, Lancaster
