Balls By Name.......

'Poverty is no excuse' proclaimed Ed Balls. No, that's not his nickname but it certainly could be a response.

Excuses, Excuses

This week's nonsense came about as schools were ranked for the first time by measuring standards in about 4,000 state and independent schools. The old ranking methods were based on the number of children passing 5 or more GCSEs or vocational courses in any subject. The old system, as per many ranking systems brought in under new Labour in places like the NHS, could be easily 'rigged' by focusing on courses which are easier such as computing, media studies and dance. Now pupils have to gain at least a C in core subjects like Maths and English and - surprise, surprise - the standards 'map' no longer looks the same.

• In fact 42 of the bottom 440 schools (that's just under 10% for bank executives to understand) were the Government 'elite' academies which now may be closed if they don't improve.
• A further 132 schools on the 'hit-list' of those already failing, suffered further declines - so that really worked, eh?
• Many secondary schools were still avoiding the core subjects and still focused on the softer subjects - so the message really got to them.
• Up to a quarter of pupils in tougher schools were classified truants but the only glimmer of good news was that grammar schools are out-stripping the private sector by a record margin which would make Old Labour cringe badly.

The Obvious

What it boils down to is that once again the Government were looking at schooling from the completely wrong angle and when viewed properly, we see that policy is not driving standards the right way. Naturally, in true Government and New Labour fashion, Ed Balls immediately sought to pass the buck to Head Teachers and Governors blaming an 'Excuse Culture' which was 'Unacceptable'.

I wonder where they got that from?

In my view his comments are just an excuse for a whole load of money poured down a toilet on education by this Government. Bolstered by superb but rigged GCSE results over the last 10 years they have basked in the glow of their 'achievements'. Only when you look at the practical effect of education in Britain do you start to understand that this money has been wasted and standards are actually falling. The levels of ability in basic subjects such the 3 R's in those who are entering commerce and industry is abysmal.

Still, it's always good to have someone to blame. You lot suffering in poverty - don't use it as an excuse for underachievement.