Boys aged three 'must work more'

What a headline in The Independent! It goes on to say: " Boys aged three and four must be made to write more to stop them falling behind girls before they even reach school, the Government will order nurseries and childminders. New boy-friendly guidance (my italics) is to be sent to all nurseries and childminders ...."

Boy-friendly - they cannot be serious!

While visiting my mother in Scotland I met her maid, a fine young lady with a five year old son. He has homework to do each night - apparently common practice. Joe, my grandson is the same age and loves to play football or race with his cars. But he worries that he is not getting as many reading stars as other children in his class. He is feeling the social pressures associated with testing. Another example of government-driven measures of 'progress' in a one size fits all state.

I'm with Joe - at seven years, it was clear to me that reading was useless and would provide no benefit – I was never going to want to read. Playing on the common and climbing trees – now, that was worthwhile. Fast forward another seven years and I was reading all the time.

Seems to me that this craze for testing and measurement is all about conditioning young people to become 'useful' members of society – to learn that they must fit in, do as they are told, go where they are directed. What is wanted is a productive, compliant population. Preferably one which is somewhat fearful and not too happy (fearful, unhappy people spend more). If you think I am exaggerating – take a look around. How many happy fulfilled people do you see in your workplace?

I can't tell you how pleased I was at the UK Christmas number one pop song by the group "Rage Against The Machine"  (with it's memorable lyrics: "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"). My pleasure was only heightened at the news of revolting French school-children.

That's what we need - REVOLUTION

Posted by Nicholas Moore    6:44:02 pm