Anti-SATS

Hey readers,

Today I just want to talk about the fact that I am against children doing exams in primary school. I don't see the point of it to cause that added stress for children. I think it is unhealthy especially when tests start at the age of 7, I mean come on really we need this.

I think schools focus too much on meeting targets for whose benefit?! Of course, the government to try and see if we get children to a certain level. But this is added pressure and stress for children, they spend enough time at school to then have to go home and do more homework.

Can you actually believe now there are SATS for children aged 7, I mean come on let kids be kids? I am not surprised kids get more anxious when they are being judged on their ability.

 We should let kids play instead of trying to push information down their throat. I believe children learn more through play than sitting there trying to recite facts. Ok, some thrive of this don't get me wrong but as a whole, I think it is wrong to test children at such an early age.

I want my child to have happy memories of going to primary school instead of thinking I didn't do so very well with the tests I have to do.

There is so much more pressure on teachers with how well they are regarded as a direct outcome of the performance of children doing exams. Teachers are under a lot of stress and I believe that stress not only placed on teachers but also some parents.

Since my son started school last year there is an assembly each week and each child gets a certificate for attending school, for being the best reader or for this and that. 

I think it is wrong because there are many other reasons why children aren't achieving or they are ill and they can come away feeling rubbish they didn't achieve what the other children did. My son didn't get a reward for sports day and he was really down. Ok, competitive good but I don't believe in social pressure to perform to a certain level.

I have, however, due to my autism felt the pressure to do certain tasks like reading. As there are no clear instructions I tend to try and get my child to read. There are times when he is not in a good place mentally to do this task. This type of pressure isn't good for the parent (me) or the child (my son). It can also cause friction in the relationship at such a young age.

Cheers for reading X