Homework theory played out |
| |
| MY children watch less | | WHILE there may be an ar- |
| than 30 minutes telev- | | gument on educational |
| ision a day. They read (vol- | | grounds for introducing |
| untarily) for at least 45 min- | | homework for young chil- |
| utes after they have gone to | | dren, can David Blunkett ex- |
| bed and take part in many | | plain who is to mark this |
| social and sporting activities. | | extra work? My wife cur- |
| They are able to do this be- | | rently teaches eight-year-olds |
| cause they go to the local pri- | | and works from 8.15am until |
| mary school where, apart | | 3.45pm. Meetings detain her |
| from a reading hook and occa- | | until about 5.15. After a break |
| sional spellings, they are not | | for dinner she begins work |
| required to do homework. | | again, Wee stimate that she is |
| This is in stark contrast to | | working 58-60 hours each |
| our neighbours, of a similar | | week. Talking to other teach- |
| age, at a private prep school. | | ers, this is not uncommon. |
| who are required to do up to | | Twenty-eight extra pieces of |
| one hour's homework a day, | | work to mark each day will |
| and are unable to fit in out- | | take about two hours. If |
| side activities. | | teachers have to work 80 |
| The time could surely be | | hours a week many will dis- |
| spent more productively on | | cover that their rate of pay |
| playing with their friends, or | | will fall below the 1:4 per hour |
| even with their parents. | | that Labour is considering as |
| Jennifer Gravestock. | | a minimum wage. |
| 28Measham Road, | | Name and address supplied. |
| Ashby de la Zouch, | | |
| Leicestershire LE652PF. | | |
