Let us call for a change in education policy!

I was shocked to learn that so many pupils, after completing their entire school career, are unable to do arithmetic, read or write. It reminds me of my own school days in Year 5 back in 1951. Sitting in the back row were two pupils who were having to repeat the year for the second time. This was certainly not a good situation for the teacher. He had to cover the curriculum with the rest of us and was unable to give these pupils the attention they needed. It seems that, seventy years on, we are still facing the same problem. Pupils with additional learning needs do not receive enough support, and there is no guarantee that the rest of the class will be able to study in peace.
    Now, education experts and teachers with many years’ experience have plucked up the courage and are no longer willing to accept this situation. They have gone public and are calling for a wide-ranging debate. They have been grappling with this problem for years, but unfortunately the school authorities have not been receptive to their concerns. It is sad that pupils are not being taught sufficiently in arithmetic, writing and reading. As a result, they will be unable to meet the demands of their future careers, which will have a negative impact on their lives. I believe there is no alternative but to revise the curriculum so that teachers once again have enough time to practise these skills with their pupils until they reach the required standard.
    In Switzerland, we cannot afford to be without skilled professionals in the hotel industry, the care sector and the skilled trades. Our reputation in these professions has been very good up to now. The fact that neighbouring countries are seeing the same alarming results among school leavers is all the more reason to take action. Let us call on the education and school authorities to reverse their strategy regarding the teaching of basic skills, and in doing so show some compassion for our young people.

Hans-Peter Stump. Meilen (CH)