We over-test our children !

This will come as no surprise to any teacher but a report out today from the GTC calls for a conclusion to the perpetual testing of our under 16 year olds in the quest to raise standards. The implication is that it does little or no good and has a demoralising effect on a very significant number of our young people.

At last !!

How much damage has been done over the last decade or more by this constant wish to 'test, test, test' we will never know. What is certain is that the balance of the primary curriculum has been shifted from its broad base to a narrowed down, testable set of components and that this has had knock on effects on self esteem and motivation further up the age range.

Don't expect that the Government will take the comments to heart too quickly. Remember that education is not about teaching and learning but is a political weapon in the search for control ( and this from me ... essentially a non-political animal!).

You can read the BBC's version of the report here or pick it up from The Observer's reporter Anushka Asthana here.

You could even tell me your views on this ... add a comment !!