Recently the media featured a letter written by the Principal to a student at Barrowford Primary School in Lancashire. The letter focused on all the things that standardised tests do not measure: being multi-lingual; able to play an instrument, dance or paint; write poetry, songs or plays; participate in sports or wonder about the future……. To view the letter, paste the following link into your preferred browser….. http://twistedsifter.com/2014/07/principal-writes-to-students-about-standardized-tests/
Schools aim to provide students with a high degree of academic success across the curriculum and at Matahui we have had recent evidence of that, especially in relation to our international French results. But at the same time, we also provide opportunities for students to grow and develop the promise they demonstrate in areas that are difficult, and in some instances not necessary to assess. One of the delights in teaching is seeing students achieve goals that help shape them as individuals whether it be through demonstrating leadership qualities or showing enough concern for others to initiate some form of fundraising. Today our Year 5 and 6 students coordinated toy collection, mufti day,and sausage sizzle to support the Paeroa Kindergarten some misguided individual burned to the ground last week. Consider for a moment what they may have learned through this experience.
We must provide a thinking curriculum. We must establish a level of academic rigour. We must continue to foster a love of learning, Lets not forget however, that success can be measured in a myriad of ways.
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