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Oldham pupils among worst for skills in English
Date published: 30 October 2009
MORE than a quarter of Oldham pupils start secondary school with poor English.
The results of teacher assessments of 11-year-olds are the joint 12th worst in England with 74 per cent reaching the expected standard for their age (level 4).
And boys are lagging way behind girls — just 68 per cent hitting the target compared with 81 per cent.
The gap widened slightly at age 14, although English results overall are better than the national average for the teenagers.
Official statistics released this week show that 79 per cent of 11-year-olds nationally made the grade in English.
The figures were 80 per cent for maths (Oldham 78 per cent) and 86 per cent in science (84 per cent).
Teacher assessments are now the only means of measuring pupils’ ability in the core subjects at 14 after SATs were scrapped for this group last year.
They show that 77 per cent reached the standards for their age (level 5) in English (79 per cent Oldham), maths 79 per cent (78 per cent) and science 78 per cent (74 per cent).
Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said: “It’s clear to see that standards in our schools have been transformed over the last decade. This is down to the hard work and dedication of teachers, and a constant focus on getting the basics right.
“Test results show that thousands more children are getting the firm foundations they need in English, maths and science than in 1997, and the teacher assessment figures back this up.
“The figures show that at age 11, more children are reaching the expected level in the classroom for maths and science, and the percentage reaching level 4 in English has stayed the same.
“And at 14, more pupils are reaching level 5 in English and science, but maths has remained constant.”
Comments
No Vernon Coaker,it is clear that teachers and your system are failing the children, cook the figures how you like...
Not really a surprise when so many don't speak English as a first language. Perhaps it's time the government reversed its decision not to fund ESOL and introduced some kind of financial sanctions for those who make no effort to learn English. If children are brought to school completely unable to speak English then there should be an expectation for the parents to pay for private tuition.
Then we might have a more even performance from all the boroughs children.
multicultural britain at its worst!!
Funny isn't it how easily they can tell you to "F off" and use many other expletives in English?
Hardly a surprise! I find it very difficult to understand a lot of 'youngsters' who seem to have very poor verbal skills - apart from a sort of grunting patois. And its nothing to do with race, its apparent in all sectuions of the community. the parents & teachers of Oldham seem to be doing a terrible job, again!
its not that bad,they only need a few words these days,and they are,wheres my giro.
Flake - Comprehension problems again tut tut!
" do not speak it as their first language.." still means they speak it!! get a grip.
After all its not my first language, but I earn a living, correct all the myths posted on these pages and still have time for dinner!
...and deal with non-asians people who write "coz" as they think its a word when they complete application forms
So all asian kids speak English well do they fightback ?? like their parents and granparents,,open your ears,,,
webi - make your mind up are we talking about kids ( my children speak perfect English) or their parents? (my wife and I get by!!)
Asian kids speak as well as any others - see Animos comment above.
Anything else??
fightback-Asian children do not 'speak as well as any others'
I am not being racist, I simply wish someone would take the time to teach these children English before they start school.This would provide them with a basic skill to succeed.
If I were to emigrate, leaning the country's language would be the first thing I would do.
well said Mrs C , its not always about race
Mrs C- We'll have to differ, I am talking from personal experience of dealing with those that have had their 12 years of state education... of all races, application forms with "coz" instead of "because" are my evidence.
Dispair - Its always about race with you - I dont forget that!
Fedup... anything to say on the non-asians (white) who fit this category?
Have Your Say
Only speaking of my experience but Mills Hill is a superb infant/junior school. Royton and Crompton though!!!. Less homework in 18 months than my lad got in a month from Mills Hill which is appalling. As for the bragging schools minister you get passes by dumbing down and that is what you have done. Standards are lower because the tests are poorer.
By Max Damage @ 30/10/2009 11:33:56