Smart Learning Institute

A UK principals ’union called on older students to return to school first, as part of the UK ’s initiative to reopen schools in stages. The union warned that students preparing for the exam may need to re-read for a whole year due to the interruption of study. The Association of School and University Leaders (ASCL) said that the most benefit from returning to campus is students 10-12 years old who are preparing for GCSE and A-level courses, as well as high school seniors who are about to progress.

This British approach is in stark contrast to Denmark. Last week, Denmark became the first country to reopen school in Europe, when children under 12 were the first to return to school. The reason is that younger children are less able to learn on their own, and returning them to school can return their parents to work.

As the blockade continues, speculation about how and when the school will reopen is becoming more and more worrying. There are serious differences among the ministers, and the teachers ’unions also have different views.

(Excerpt from The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/apr/21/older-pupils-should-be-first-when-englands-schools-reopen, April 21, 2020)