‘Fun’ tests at five

Education Minister John Swinney has defended controversial assessments for primary one pupils, claiming the tests should be “fun and enjoyable” experiences rather than stressful.

My P1 will not be sitting this test. He’s five. Let him be five for goodness’ sake!

Donna Caldwell

What do you expect him to be doing at school? Teachers need to assess the ability of children and that requires some amount of testing.

Chris Knight

The majority of kids are leaving school unable to do basic arithmetic. The whole curriculum needs overhauled. However, testing five-year-olds is going to achieve very little. I expect the state to educate children, not mess with their heads.

Val Stonehouse

I would have assumed a teacher is assessing and testing daily. What we need is support for his/her findings to improve every child’s outcomes.

Irene Brown

Testing is not necessary or desirable in P1. If John Swinney knew the first thing about education he would know this.

Jacqueline Grossart

We all loved tests at school didn’t we? Every one was fun and enjoyable it sets my heart aflutter just wishing I could go home to my mother for another walloping for not doing well. Those were the days. Just so pleased the SNP have brought them in for even younger children. Swinney looks more like the Child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang every day!

Clarke Mckelvie

If children started school able to have a decent standard of reading and writing, were toilet trained and could use a knife and fork, all to a level expected at that age, then tests wouldn’t be necessary.

Bill Longmuir

You are supposed to enjoy learning through play at that age. Not sit at a desk and do tests.

David Kinsley