Areas if learning and educational programmes
1

Literacy
It is regrettable that non fiction material is not explicitly mentioned especially as many boys find this material ‘ignites their interest’

Mathematics
It is regrettable that the description does not clarify that children should use their knowledge and skills in meaningful contexts

Understanding the world
It is regrettable that the description does not clarify that at least some of the exploration and finding out should be prompted by children’s own enquiries

Expressive arts and design
Glad this includes sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings rather than reproducing adults’ expressions

2
Speaking
Important omission to have nothing on using talk to organise thinking and clarify ideas. This is important in developing scientific thinking, writing and learning across the areas of learning
Understanding
Important omission that children’s capability to raise and and voice their own questions is not recognised. The descriptor does not allow provoked intellectual curiosity to be an example of understanding.
Reading
It is regrettable that this descriptor does not give enough weight to reading texts of significance to children. It could be understood as reading ‘test’ sentences and have the unintended consequence of demotivating children and stifling the curriculum
Writing
Important omission to have nothing on writing for a purpose. This descriptor will lead to writing activities boys in particular will find more than irksome
Numbers
The examples of problem solving are limiting and halving is likely to be taught as a technique with the danger that children reproduce techniques but do not solve problems
The world
Children are capable of generating their own enquiries and there is no expectation explicit in the description that this will happen. This descriptor provides for passive learners who respond rather than take the initiative. This omission inhibits the development of scientific behaviours
People and communities
Children are asked to be sensitive to the needs of others but not to expect others to be sensitive to them. This is an important omission.

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Best wishes

David Bartlett

There is a regional meeting tomorrow and I need to give my apologies as I am now unable to attend. I do not know who to contact. My email contacts list has let me down. I am with the London Region.

Nuala McNeely

Monday 6th December

You might find the AAIA publication “Guidelines for Asseessment Leaders” useful.

Elizabeth Lewin

Thanks

Robin