In recent years there has been increasing pressure on pupils to achieve high academic standards during their time at Primary School. Mesuring progress is an integral part of education but an emphasis on over achievement can lead to negative, unfair competition and unhelpful pressure.
While we are, of course, keen for our pupils to persevere and do their best in all, it is criticall that we keep a balanced and constructive perspective between our academic work and all the talents and bright qualities that are part of every great pupil at Treganna.
Here’s a translation of a letter to our pupils
Annwyl Blant,
We know how hard you work, but there is something very important that you have to know:
The test that recognises all the things that make each of you special and unique does not exist. The people who create tests and give scores or levels do not know any of you in the way we do (and certainly not like your family).
They do not know that you speak at least two languages or that you like to sing or draw pictures. They have not seen your natural talent at dancing or playing musical instruments. They do not understand that your friends can rely on you; that your laughter can shine the brightest light into darkest day, that you can pour a whole summer’s enthusiasm into one afternoon or that you go red when you feel shy. They do not know you’re great at sport, enthusiastic about everything or that you sometime help your little brother or sister after school. They do not know that you are kind, thoughtful, and that you try your best in all things, every day.
Scores or levels can can tell us something, but not not everything. There are several routes leading to the mountain summit and you have a lifetime of mountains to choose from. Do not forget that all of you are incredible and unique and that no measure or test or competition in the world can measure all your worth.
Most Sincerely,
Rhys Harries
