20/06/2012
Report Reveals Teachers Concerns Over Reading
A new survey has revealed that more than two-fifths of UK teachers say children are turned off reading for pleasure by the time they finish primary school.
The survey, which questioned 410 secondary school English teachers, found the majority (94%) thought their pupils preferred to spend time online.
Two-thirds of those polled said pupils did not see reading as “cool”.
And 97% thought parents could do more to encourage their child to read.
The survey, carried out on behalf of publishers Pearson, found that nearly three-quarters (74%) warned that pupils did not spend enough time reading outside the classroom.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said the findings of the survey were "no surprise" and that the government was working to encourage children to develop a love of reading. It would launch a national reading competition for schools for the next academic year, he said.
"In a world of so many distractions for young minds, the place of literature is more important than ever," he said.
"Children need to master the basics of reading as early as possible in primary school so they can then go on to explore magical and powerful books such as Private Peaceful, Harry Potter, and, in good time, books such as Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm and those by Charles Dickens."
(H)
The survey, which questioned 410 secondary school English teachers, found the majority (94%) thought their pupils preferred to spend time online.
Two-thirds of those polled said pupils did not see reading as “cool”.
And 97% thought parents could do more to encourage their child to read.
The survey, carried out on behalf of publishers Pearson, found that nearly three-quarters (74%) warned that pupils did not spend enough time reading outside the classroom.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said the findings of the survey were "no surprise" and that the government was working to encourage children to develop a love of reading. It would launch a national reading competition for schools for the next academic year, he said.
"In a world of so many distractions for young minds, the place of literature is more important than ever," he said.
"Children need to master the basics of reading as early as possible in primary school so they can then go on to explore magical and powerful books such as Private Peaceful, Harry Potter, and, in good time, books such as Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm and those by Charles Dickens."
(H)
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02 August 2011
Third Of Pupils Struggle With 'Three Rs'
National, regional and local authority figures for the Key Stage 2 tests taken by thousands of pupils at the end of primary school were published today. In all subjects - English, reading, writing and maths - the percentage of 11-year-olds reaching the expected level (Level 4) or above is up.
Third Of Pupils Struggle With 'Three Rs'
National, regional and local authority figures for the Key Stage 2 tests taken by thousands of pupils at the end of primary school were published today. In all subjects - English, reading, writing and maths - the percentage of 11-year-olds reaching the expected level (Level 4) or above is up.
20 March 2006
Kelly announces changes to teaching of reading
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced that the government will be revising the statutory national curriculum in order to require children to be taught to read using the phonics method. The Rose Review of the Teaching of Early Reading, whose final report was published today, recommended the use of phonics.
Kelly announces changes to teaching of reading
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced that the government will be revising the statutory national curriculum in order to require children to be taught to read using the phonics method. The Rose Review of the Teaching of Early Reading, whose final report was published today, recommended the use of phonics.
09 November 2005
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
15 March 2010
Academic Jobs Hit As Axe Falls
A top university is being targeted for job cuts. As many as 37 jobs are to be axed at the University of Reading as part of efforts to save £10m. The posts are likely to go in computer science, electronics and cybernetics. It comes after the government announced a £1bn cut in higher-education funding.
Academic Jobs Hit As Axe Falls
A top university is being targeted for job cuts. As many as 37 jobs are to be axed at the University of Reading as part of efforts to save £10m. The posts are likely to go in computer science, electronics and cybernetics. It comes after the government announced a £1bn cut in higher-education funding.
20 January 2010
Man Held Over Teen Murder
Police in Reading are continuing to question a man over the death of a teenager, whose body was found close to a river on Monday night. The 19-year-old was detained by officers yesterday. Asha Muneer, 18, was murdered not far from her place of work on the Brunel Retail Park in the Berkshire town.
Man Held Over Teen Murder
Police in Reading are continuing to question a man over the death of a teenager, whose body was found close to a river on Monday night. The 19-year-old was detained by officers yesterday. Asha Muneer, 18, was murdered not far from her place of work on the Brunel Retail Park in the Berkshire town.