Make School Days Longer

I was reminded once again this week that pupils are defined in relation to a teacher, students in relations to learning.  I am astounded then by the latest suggestion from Michael Gove, that the school day should be longer in order to improve performance and make life easier for parents.  If we want children to learn, then we need to give them time to do so; and more controversially, perhaps, parents, not the state, should be looking after their children outside of school hours.

Close Schools - Bring on the Snow

With 5000 schools closed across the UK many people took the opportunity to play in the snow.  I am reminded of the lyrics: let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  It seems like a fantastic opportunity for people to learn and enjoy.

Four Day School Week

I like this one.  Wayland, Iowa are going for a four-day school week.  The intention is that the additional day will allow for real-world experience.  This seems very sensible, and I would add longer school holidays to the same ambition.  We spend too much time in school teaching pupils to think for themselves; thinking for yourself is what you do when you are not at school.