Page 19 - link magazine

19
EDUCATION MATTERS

THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM -THE PARENTS' VIEW
Education Matters this month is responses, together with the most enter after they leave school (we tician, of whatever party, have
written by Rod Leverton who is important aspects of the relevant noticed that technology was in- such power. Indeed we felt that
chair of the Greendown Parent sections of the document: cluded, but none of the areas of on an issue of such importance to
Teachers Association. If you What is the National Curricu- craft or design). all our children, it was essential
would like to respond to the issues lum? The document then raises the that the curriculum could only be
raised in this article please write to The red book, suggests that issue of 'attainment targets'. It decided by the decision of a large
,
him. We shall print some of your all schools have a curriculum seems to suggest that we should number of people - industrial-
comments in the next issue. which equips (children) with the reintroduce something like the ists, teachers, parents and other
knowledge, skills and under- old eleven plus exam - not only interested members of society.
During the Summer holidays, standing that they need for adult at age eleven, but also at seven, Finally, we all expressed our
most Secondary Schools received life'. fourteen and sixteen. We were anxiety about the timing of the
a large red book which contained Compaied with our own school- very concerned of our children whole process. We had been given
suggestions by the Government ing, which many parents felt was 'failing' such an exam, and had a little over two weeks to talk
for the new national curriculum narrow and often irrelevant, this our own memories of the horror about a matter of supreme im-
for our state schools. Unfortu- idea seems very welcome. There of our own experience and al- portance. The Government says
nately, many, perhaps most, was a lot of support for the idea though we thought that children it wants to give parents power,
Primary Schools did not receive that as well as knowing the 'basics', could have a 'target' which sug- but then gives us so little time to
the document, and so have not reading, writing, etc. that our gested what they might be able to consider the matter that it seems
had time to consider this very children need the benefit of a do at varoius ages, we all know to be taking the power away
important issue. The parents at much wider education. how different children are, and before we have really managed
Greendown, with the support of The document then makes some how they develop at different to have any influence.
the Governors, Staff and mem- suggestions as to what exactly rates. We all felt that the system This summary is only a very
bers of the Parents Association this means. Maths, English and being suggested would be totally small part of the wide ranging
Committee, decided that they Science form the top priority unfair and we were unanimously discussion which took place. The
should try to make some form of subjects, closely followed by against the idea of that sort of parents were quite united in their
response to the proposals in the foreign languages, technology, test. We also wondered what was views and if any other people
document. Two open meetings history, geography, art, music, supposed to happen to the new would like copies of our full
were held, and the thirty or so and PE. In other words, almost GCSE - we're only just begin- response, Greendown School will
parents who attended were able exactly what we had when we fling to understand that exam! be happy to supply you with one
to read the document and make were at school! This was quite We then talked about who - please call in at the office and
comments and suggestions - disappointing - where was the finally decides the curriculum. collect a copy or telephone
these were then sent, as sug- moral education, where was the The document seems to suggest 874224.
gested, to the Secretary of State use of computers, where was the that it is the Secretary of State
for Education, the RT Hon Mr development of the skills that who decides. This worried all of TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK
Kenneth Baker MP. our children will need in the us - we were not convinced of RING: 771534 or 872282
This then, is a precis of their 'high tech' world which they will the wisdom of letting any poli-
SELF-BUILDERS - END IN SITE EXCt71SIONS -
& TOURS

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From left: Steve Mayhew, Peter Collins and Alan, Terry Twyman and
A bbye.
The Link reported the beginning Group member Terry Twyman ILl G.S.M. ILl
of a self-build housing project in is looking forward to a holiday
April. Over six months later an when all the work is finished. SCHOOL OF MOTORING
end is in sight for thirteen families Fellow worker Steve Mayhew D. T.P. Approved
who set out to build their own commented "There is great satis- *First 4 lessons at £7.00 *Free pick-up service
faction in building something
houses in their spare time. *Evening & weekend lessons available
With guidance from the yourself and also knowing the *Discounts for block bookings
Wingate Housing Association saving we've made on top of the *Gift vouchers available for special occasions
the group of men, supported by value the houses are now." - The ideal Christmas present -

wives and girlfriends, have put in Peter Collins confirms that
twenty-seven hours a week to the building his own house has been For patient and professional tuition
project during evenings and a good experience. "It's been Contact Graham on Swindon 828056
weekends. Five houses are 100% effort by everybody all the
occupied and the rest will be way. We're all great friends now" 'You may find cheaper, you won't find better'
said Peter.
finished by Christmas.