* While reflecting on the effects of the tyranny of testing. I came across this in the National Union of Teachers’ journal The Schoolmaster of May 29, 1953:
“A junior school teacher gives harrowing details of the strain and anxiety felt by her children during the weeks before the 11-plus examination. She reports that ... the tenson mounted. Children evaded PT, invented illnesses, showed signs of nervous instability, had disturbed nights and bad dreams. Worried parents sent notes or came secretly to talk about their children’s health.”
Fifty years on, plus ca change...?
Professor Colin Richards
1 Bobbin Mill
Spark Bridge, Cumbria
