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Fewer teens achieve maths target | Fewer teens achieve maths target |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The proportion of 14-year-olds in England reaching the required standard in maths tests fell slightly this year. | The proportion of 14-year-olds in England reaching the required standard in maths tests fell slightly this year. |
Some 76% reached Level 5 or above, against 77% in 2006 after a three-point rise over the previous year. | |
There was an increase of one percentage point in the proportions of pupils meeting English and science standards, to 74% and 73%. | |
But the government had set a target of 85% reaching Level 5 in English and in mathematics by this year. | |
Within the English results, there was a six percentage point increase in the share of boys meeting the required standards for reading but a drop of two percentage points in writing. | |
We know that boys tend to read less than girls Jim KnightSchools Minister | We know that boys tend to read less than girls Jim KnightSchools Minister |
Some 65% of boys met the standards for reading compared to 78% of girls, while 80% of girls met the standards for writing compared with 67% of boys. | Some 65% of boys met the standards for reading compared to 78% of girls, while 80% of girls met the standards for writing compared with 67% of boys. |
Boys' writing was highlighted as a particular concern when the primary school results for 11-year-olds were published last week. | Boys' writing was highlighted as a particular concern when the primary school results for 11-year-olds were published last week. |
In English overall, 80% of girls made the grade compared with 67% of boys. | In English overall, 80% of girls made the grade compared with 67% of boys. |
In fact girls out-performed boys in each of the core subjects. | In fact girls out-performed boys in each of the core subjects. |
Some 76% of girls and 75% of boys met the mathematics standard, and 73% of girls and 72% of boys meeting science standard. | Some 76% of girls and 75% of boys met the mathematics standard, and 73% of girls and 72% of boys meeting science standard. |
In information and communication technology (ICT) 74% of pupils met or exceeded Level 5. | In information and communication technology (ICT) 74% of pupils met or exceeded Level 5. |
Upward trend | Upward trend |
This is a three percentage point rise since last year and a 24 point rise since 1997. | This is a three percentage point rise since last year and a 24 point rise since 1997. |
The Key Stage 3 results are seen as important because they are seen as an important indicator of GCSE success. | The Key Stage 3 results are seen as important because they are seen as an important indicator of GCSE success. |
Schools Minister Jim Knight said the results were consistent with the trend of "unprecedented improvements" over the last decade | Schools Minister Jim Knight said the results were consistent with the trend of "unprecedented improvements" over the last decade |
"Whilst I'm disappointed to see a drop in maths and writing, it's important to put this into context. | "Whilst I'm disappointed to see a drop in maths and writing, it's important to put this into context. |
"The overall trend remains upwards and there have been dips in the past that have been quickly reversed," he said. | "The overall trend remains upwards and there have been dips in the past that have been quickly reversed," he said. |
'Soul-searching' | 'Soul-searching' |
"Confident literacy skills can help boys succeed in all subjects," Mr Knight said. | |
"We know that boys tend to read less than girls. | |
"That is why we are funding every secondary school library to acquire new books targeted at teenage boys and introduced initiatives such as every child a reader." | "That is why we are funding every secondary school library to acquire new books targeted at teenage boys and introduced initiatives such as every child a reader." |
But schools needed to continue to do better, he added. | |
The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, John Dunford, said: "Key Stage 3 tests should be treated as a staging post on the way to the more important examinations at 16 and 18. | The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, John Dunford, said: "Key Stage 3 tests should be treated as a staging post on the way to the more important examinations at 16 and 18. |
"They should not be turned into league tables which create days of national soul-searching." | "They should not be turned into league tables which create days of national soul-searching." |
The government said the tests ensured schools were accountable for children's progress. | |
The National Association of Head Teachers said the way that standards were rising year on year needed to be celebrated. | |
'Complacent' | |
Shadow Schools Minister Nick Gibb said the results confirmed Ofsted's view that half of secondary schools were performing at a level that was "not good enough". | |
The government was being complacent. | |
Secondary schools needed to learn lessons from the best, with a rigorous focus on better behaviour and classes organised in sets in all academic subjects so children were taught in groups of similar ability. | |
Liberal Democrat spokesman Stephen Williams said the government had fallen "woefully short" of its own targets. | |
"Any progress previously made has now stalled or is even going backwards," he said. | |
"Ministers must now say when they expect to reach their targets and what measures they will put in place to help teachers and children achieve them." |