Don't sell our kids short
On the release of GCSE and A-level results recently we were given the usual "The standards are dropping - it's too easy to get grades". Obviously I am not on the various bodies who set standards or even set marking criteria, but it seems many of these kids are being sold short after they have obviously worked very hard to achieve their own personal standards.
Education is very different now to when I was at Oldbury Grammar School many years ago. Through my work with Roosterspake I work as often as possible in schools conducting workshops and talking to the pupils.
The constant assessment and variety of "modern" subjects do place a tremendous amount of pressure on these kids.
Plus I think a major factor in the distractions within the techno-media-driven modern society are much greater than in our day.
It may be true that the teaching practices are less formal and rigid than in my day, but I think that can be said for any aspect of modern life engulfed by "buzzword", in-vogue methods of work practise.
If a child wants to achieve then there has to be a clear desire to do so and they will achieve no matter what distractions are put in the way. The children who succumb to the peer pressure of being "cool" if they ignore the chores put in front of them (and we had many the same in our day as well) will not achieve.
Standards can always be criticised, that's why they are there, but if I was a parent of a kid who came home with nine GCSE good grades or four A-level passes I would be immensely proud.
Education should be used wisely because on reflection they will understand just what an important part of their life it is.
Well done to all the kids who have attained their personal goals and to those who have fallen short, just get back and show the world the qualities you have to offer.
Billy Spakemon, Tower Road, Tividale.
