Wealden Times | WT182 | April 2017 | Gardens supplement inside

Education
“
W
hat counts can’t be counted and what can
be counted doesn’t count.” No one knows
whether Einstein really said it but whoever
came up with the observation, I agree with it totally.
The ‘counting’ which dogs education these days – from
league tables to SATS performance targets and
all the rest of it – has killed learning for its own
sake. And I strongly suspect it has taken the
love of learning with it in far too many schools.
When, many years ago, I was choosing
my A Level options I desperately wanted
to do zoology because I was fascinated by
biology and craved more. Now, I am no scientist. I’d long
since thankfully abandoned physics and chemistry. Most
of the students opting for zoology were high fliers doing
an all science programme with a view to medical school,
research science and the like. So I was a bit of a maverick.
To her eternal credit and my profound gratitude, the head
BS_WEA_TIM_90wx130h.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:30 Page 1
Number Crunchers
Susan Elkin looks at school performance targets and statistics
“My interest counted
for something more
important than
examination statistics”
of science allowed me to do it, knowing that I wouldn’t do
well in the exam. I adored the subject and that was enough
for her. My interest counted for something more important
than examination statistics. I had a wonderful time for two
whole years and the learning has stayed with me for life.
Well, we all know that would never
happen today. Schools have to get the best
results they can in everything – results which
should be a marginal end product have
turned into the tail which wags the dog.
Everything has to be ruthlessly quantified.
I meet far too many teachers and heads
who tell me, for example, that there’s no time for drama,
music or free-range reading because all the focus is on passing
exams. They miss the point, of course, that wider learning
and experiences enhance progress in all subjects. Achievement
is mysteriously transferable. The child who does well, say
in the school play or develops skills in painting, is quite
belong
L O V E W H A T Y O U L E A R N
Discover the Virtue of Learning
Take a fresh look at Bethany School and discover a
world of freedom. No limiting your options, just the
independence and support you need.
Join us at our next Open Morning
Open Morning
Tues 2nd May
9.00am - 11.30am
Entrance Assessments
for September 2018
Sat 11th November
bethanyschool.org.uk 01580 211273
registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk
BETHANY SCHOOL, CURTISDEN GREEN, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 1LB
“
co-ed day and boarding
I love the environment at
Bethany, because the rural
setting is so peaceful. I’m
happiest when I’m being
creative in Design & Technology,
and I want to go on to become
an Architect.
“
Maria-Bisila Dougan, Year 11
Design & Technology Scholar.
NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOL
DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR NURSERY TO 13 YEAR OLDS
OPEN MORNING
10am - 12.30pm
Pre-Prep and Prep School
Saturday 6th May 2017
Pre-Prep
Friday 12th May 2017
T: 01304 611215
E: admissions@northbournepark.com
Northbourne Park School, Betteshanger, Deal, Kent CT14 0NW
www.northbournepark.com
169 wealdentimes.co.uk
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