Letter: Primary complaints on the subject

Sir: I am a primary school teacher, tired and angry at the persistent provocation my profession must endure, being constantly poked and prodded like some reluctant reptile as the world at large attempts to elicit a reaction.

I am not a subject specialist and was never trained as such. I am, however, a specialist in children's learning: in structuring and organising learning experiences to facilitate the maturation of the skills fundamental to successful acquisition of knowledge and application of experience.

Nowhere in this government's espoused wisdoms is a skills-based approach appropriately accredited. And yet, as anyone who knows would explain (if asked), that vital knowledge which is the national curriculum will continue to fall on deaf little ears without the careful nurturing of positive attitudes, independence and motivation that form an essential part of the skills-oriented focus of primary education.

Yours faithfully,

C. MILES GROSTATE

Brighton, Sussex

19 January