We don’t need chapter and verse from the arty set on Sats

7th May 2010, 1:00am

Share

We don’t need chapter and verse from the arty set on Sats

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/we-dont-need-chapter-and-verse-arty-set-sats-2

Last week you featured a letter from authors and illustrators headlined “Boycott Boost”. I may not be an eminent artiste, but as a Year 6 teacher I believe I have more understanding of the primary classroom environment and indeed Sats.

Although I disagree with Sats and the pressure on children and teachers and league tables, I don’t agree with the knee-jerk reaction that dismisses them either.

Schools need accountability and not just flights of the imagination to gauge where our children are. Summative and formative assessment is needed.

My class this year has done numerous comprehension exercises, but the children have also read many books - including some by authors who signed that letter. They have enjoyed Kensuke’s Kingdom, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, Iron Man, Fair’s Fair, three Mr Gum books (which my class are crazy about, incidentally). Poetry also gets a fair lashing in my class from the Jabberwocky to Chocolate Cake by Mr Rosen himself.

The allegation that we don’t read enough or look at full texts is wrong. And I find it insulting that these people are making allegations that are unfounded and misleading. What Government, unions and the eminent Mr Rosen and co need to do is let me teach.

Christopher Green, Year 6 teacher, Hunningley Primary School, Barnsley.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Nothing found
Recent
Most read
Most shared