Menu
23/10/2006
British pupils 'unable to find UK on a map'
One in five British schoolchildren cannot find the UK on a map of the world, a new report has claimed.
A survey of more than 1,000 children aged between 6 and 14 by National Geographic Kids magazine also found that less than two thirds of children could identify the US, while 86% could not point out Iraq on the map.
One in ten children could not name a single continent, the survey found.
Boys appeared to have slightly better geographical knowledge than girls, with 65% of boys being able to locate a number of countries on a map, compared to 63% of girls.
Scottish children appeared to be the most geographically aware, with 67% being able to identify most countries out of England, the US, France, China and Iraq.
Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at Buckingham University, said that the findings were "rather frightening."
He said: "These results underline the need for education to concentrate on the essentials."
However, Chris Keates, general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, said: "The constant desire for groups to produce statistics to do down the English education system is quite appalling and does nothing to recognise the excellent work of children and staff."
(KMcA)
A survey of more than 1,000 children aged between 6 and 14 by National Geographic Kids magazine also found that less than two thirds of children could identify the US, while 86% could not point out Iraq on the map.
One in ten children could not name a single continent, the survey found.
Boys appeared to have slightly better geographical knowledge than girls, with 65% of boys being able to locate a number of countries on a map, compared to 63% of girls.
Scottish children appeared to be the most geographically aware, with 67% being able to identify most countries out of England, the US, France, China and Iraq.
Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at Buckingham University, said that the findings were "rather frightening."
He said: "These results underline the need for education to concentrate on the essentials."
However, Chris Keates, general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, said: "The constant desire for groups to produce statistics to do down the English education system is quite appalling and does nothing to recognise the excellent work of children and staff."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 October 2014
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
03 June 2010
'Burger Diet' Increases Child Asthma
Eating three or more burgers a week may boost a child's risk of asthma and wheeze - at least in developed nations - reveals a large international study, published in Thorax today. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, and fish seems to stave off the risk, the research shows.
'Burger Diet' Increases Child Asthma
Eating three or more burgers a week may boost a child's risk of asthma and wheeze - at least in developed nations - reveals a large international study, published in Thorax today. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, and fish seems to stave off the risk, the research shows.
19 May 2004
Majority of public backs smacking ban, according to poll
A 19th century law permitting the smacking of children in the home should be redrawn to ban the practice, according to a Mori poll published today.
Majority of public backs smacking ban, according to poll
A 19th century law permitting the smacking of children in the home should be redrawn to ban the practice, according to a Mori poll published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
