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O
ur children in the United
Kingdom are preparing
for the 11 plus exams
from the early age of 7 years
in order secure a place in a
grammar school or private
school for their secondary
education.
Are we undermining
the capabilities of
state schools?
The education system in the
United Kingdom is undergoing
important changes at present,
where new types of schools
known as ‘Free schools’ and
‘Academies’ are emerging.
My teaching experience in the
UK education system started
back in 1987. I began my journey
working with Adults in Further
Education and then moved to
secondary school education
in 2000. I have worked with
students with varying academic
levels including children with
learning difficulties. For over a
decade now, I have been working
as a School Governor with one of
ELEVEN PLUS & GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
Why Our
Children are
under Pressure?
Para Paramkumaran
Teacher at high school
Founder of
North harrow tuition centre
All parents have a strong belief
that Grammar schools and
Private schools are better
equipped to provide the best
opportunities for our children
in comparison to state run
schools.
As we strive to achieve
academic success for our
children we work arduously
to train them for the 11 plus
examinations.
18
These are new government
initiatives to save money for the
ministry of education with the
recent financial crises.
The entire league table system
and the GCSE and Advance
Levels exams are under scrutiny
and will be assessed with
different yard sticks. After 2014
no child will be entered for their
GCSE exam early unless they are
absolutely ready and it will be
recorded as their first attempt.
the Brent Primary schools. During
my lifetime I have seen extensive
changes in learning and teaching
methods and styles, including
the changes brought in by the
education watch dog OFSTED.
At present I am also working with
Primary school s to enhance
early learning development with
the ABACUS mental arithmetic
program (MAP).