Children 'improving in three Rs'

The proportion of 11-year-olds reaching their expected level in reading, writing and arithmetic is on the rise, government data has revealed.

According to the Department for Education, 67 per cent of youngsters in this age group achieve Level 4 in their Sats.

However, there is still some concern that a third of pupils are struggling with their three Rs.

One in ten boys leave primary school with the reading age of a seven-year-old, while one in 14 boys leave with the writing age of a seven-year-old.

Commenting on the figures, schools minister Nick Gibb said: "Thousands of children are doing very well, testament to their hard work and the professional skill of their teachers. The fact that more children are reaching the expected level in every subject is very welcome as is the significant increase in the proportion of children achieving well in writing.

"But a third of children are still struggling in the three Rs. There has been a decline in the proportion of children – both boys and girls – who can read and write beyond the expected level. And the results of our weakest readers and writers also remain a real concern."

He noted that although the government is determined to drive up standards, there will always be some children who have difficulty reading.

According to Mr Gibb, the government is ensuring that more schools use the "tried and tested" mechanism of phonics.

He added that a reading check for all children at the age of six is also being introduced and this will help to identify pupils that are struggling.

Posted by Katy Kearns
 


 

Meet the Teaching Personnel news team >>