Education (Press, 5 June 1984)

On 5 June 1984, a letter to the editor was published expressing concern from the staff of Addington School regarding comments made by Mr David Waghorne, the president of the Education Boards’ Association. Waghorne had praised the Minister of Education for his "back-to-basics" approach to education, asserting that it aligned with public demand and suggesting that teachers were out of step with the general public's views. The staff of Addington School voiced their sadness over this perspective, stating that they continually evaluate the best practices for their students. They emphasised the importance of equipping young people with both skills and attitudes essential to navigate a changing and challenging world. While they acknowledged the value of a strong foundation in basic subjects, they insisted that preparing students for real-world challenges and developing coping skills are equally crucial. The letter, signed by G. M. Darracott and ten other staff members, highlighted their commitment to high standards within a supportive educational environment. Their response underscores a broader debate within the education sector at the time concerning the balance between traditional academic subjects and the need for a curriculum that also focuses on social and emotional skills relevant to life in 1984 and beyond.

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