All together now

Yes, schools need to change, but former principal TIM HEATH argues for reforms that have nothing to do with the three Rs.

- TIM HEATH

The drums are beating, yet again, demanding schools raise standards and listen to anyone who proclaims they have run tests and have bad news. Curriculum changes will be made, experts will write reports and those on the oars will be instructed to row harder, in several different directions. And none of this will make any difference, apart from persuading good teachers to become real estate agents or leap into the parallel fire of social work.

It is my belief that we do need to make changes, but they will be effective only if they are changes to the very structure of our primary schools. Structural changes bring about changes in values and practice. If you doubt this, imagine the physical structure of our law courts morphing from their current, multilevel rectangular structures into circular, single-level buildings with windows.