The Telegraph – Javier Espinoza
“Tough new tests for primary school children are needed because correct grammar use and a “beautiful command of English” shouldn’t just be the preserve of the middle classes, the schools minister has said. Nick Gibb defended tough tests for 11-year-olds as he admitted he’d seen an exam question he got wrong live on air. Mr Gibb also said young graduates should be promoted to become heads of schools to tackle the recruitment crisis. Addressing head teachers at an education conference at Brighton College, Mr Gibb said rigorous testing was important, especially for children who do not live in homes where books are a part of daily life. He said children would be helped by tough tests in areas including spelling, punctuation and grammar.”(more)