By Gavin Mackintosh-
Revelation by researchers that standards in primary school pupils’ levels of attainment in England after lockdown has dropped tells a big story.
Primary school pupils in the Uk were expected to continue their academics during the first online, but thousands did not bother, neither did they have parents who would pressure them to study. Researchers found that younger children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds were worst affected by the lockdown.
The findings reveal an average decline in performance of between 5% and 15% on previous years. Researchers said the biggest drop was in maths scores, and overall seven-year-olds were the most impacted.
Researchers also expressed disappointment with the expected attainment to drop after more than five months out of school. Speaking to the Guardian, Dr Timo Hannay of the education data analytics company School Dash, who analysed the results said:
“We could have expected something like this. But it’s absolutely shocking in terms of its size.”
The tests by RS Assessment from Hodder Education are generally used in primary schools across England, usually on a termly basis, to assess children in maths and English, and track their progress.
Fractions And Punctuation
In maths tests, children across all age groups struggled particularly with fractions and geometry, where attainment was down 14% on last year. Results for punctuation were also down 14%, and in reading tests there was a 10% drop in the comprehension element of the paper.
Results for vocabulary across all age groups were down 11% and spelling scores 10%. Ordinarily, Hannay said, there would be little change in results from year to year.
Younger children appear to have lost out significantly. Pupils aged five and six, in year one, suffered “concerning” drops in attainment, according to RS assessment, with comprehension scores down by an average of 15%, phonics attainment by 16% and “reading for meaning” by 14%.
Katie Blainey, publishing director at RS Assessment, said: “This year, more than ever, it is important we use every resource we have to quickly understand what impact school closures may have had on attainment across the country.
“By providing this detailed analysis of primary test results from the first six weeks of the autumn term, we hope to provide evidence to help focus support to help those children most affected by the closures
Learning Impacts
“There have clearly been significant impacts on learning, but not all children have been affected equally, so we hope this analysis will help to work towards a fairer start in life for all pupils, regardless of background.”
James Bowen, director of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “It will be some time before we will know the true extent of the impact of the current crisis on pupils’ learning, and it is clear that the effects will go on for some time yet.
“However, it comes as no surprise that the last nine months have had a negative impact on many pupils. What is needed now is a multi-professional approach to ensure every child gets the support they need, and a government that is prepared to support those families and pupils that have been hardest hit.
The British government has suggested financing the supply of tutors to assist the most affected children.
Image:lauratrust.co.uk