My personal wish is for a simple injection which can be given to pupils at about aged seven, which will slowly work through their system, so that by eleven they will have unconsciously mastered all the requirements of the literacy framework. Thus, time would be available for teachers to inspire pupils with stories which take a week to read; to involve them in whole days of drama, music and dance; to excite them with moving image texts and ICT; and o encourage them to write, reflect and re-write in ways that nurture their creativity. Failing that, I’d like to see an imaginative simulation, perhaps ICT-based, which will enable the requirements of the framework to be assimilated,while engaging pupils in activities which focus on MEANING, rather than mechanical correctness.

Trevor Millum is Communications and development director, National Association for the Teaching of English.