Have your Say!

Future of schooling

The debate over grammar schools has once again been raging, both nationally within the Conservative party and locally, as plans for Sherford Town continue.

I am certainly in favour of grammar schools- in my experience they now attract pupils from all backgrounds, and can give a valuable platform for bright youngsters. The three grammar schools in Plymouth do an excellent job. I am not in favour of a return to compulsory examinations and streaming at eleven however, as the sense of unnecessary failure which would be felt by some is both cruel and pointless.

We have fantastic comprehensive schools within SW Devon which are doing a grand job in supporting pupils through their formative years and steering them towards happy futures, filled with achievements in many areas and aspects of life.

Some parts of the local area aren't so fortunate with their choice of schools and we need to work hard to help this improve. Good teachers should be offered more incentives to work in challenging schools, and children whose behaviour shows signs of being destructive need early attention and guidance.

I would leave to hear your thoughts about how we can improve our poorer schools and maintain our good standards within SW Devon.

Yours,

Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Wednesday, June 06, 2007