Passing the test

A controversial national testing regime for fiveyear-olds in Scottish schools has suffered a fresh blow after one council announced it would be axing the assessments. Education secretary John Swinney said the move by Fife Council made “little sense”. Testing is a good idea as the parent knows how their child is doing at school.

Stuart Smith After 40 years in the class, I can tell you these tests are a waste of time. Any teacher worth their salt can give parents a much more balanced view of how a child is doing.

Kathleen Weetman

Testing creates fear. It’s pressurised and creates a negative climate.

Ravinda Raven I hope other councils follow Fife’s lead.

Catherine Burgess Fund more teachers and assistants and the results will follow regardless of any testing.

Diane Davidson Surely people understand the difference between assessment and test. All good teachers assess prior knowledge in a class and fill in the gaps, further the knowledge rather than churn out a set piece to all and sundry. Beyond some to grasp and utterly boring to others. Some P1 pupils can count in hundreds and some have still to grasp counting to five. Assessment gives teachers useful information.

Shonagh Potter Teachers want a ten per cent pay rise but don’t want to do the work. Disgraceful.

Stuart Smith The teachers have told him, the councils have told him, the Scottish Parliament has told him, but John knows best.

Troo Bloo