David Willetts MP - Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills

Today, Newcastle CF was visited by David Willetts MP to discuss the issue of education and skills. David had a tour of the Marine Science and Technology Department and looked at the resources and apparatus available to students, and afterwards had a discussion session with students. A summary of some of the main points is shown below. Again it is paraphrased from memory so don't take this as an exact quotation - I wouldn't want to get anybody into trouble.

Alex Le Vey asked:
'With the UK recently being ranked at the bottom of Unicef's survey of the best place for children to grow up, what can be done to improve our education system? Does our curriculum need to be overhauled? And do you believe in city academies?

David responded by saying:
He thought our curriculum was fine as it was. He stated that he was a traditionalist and didn't think that the curriculum needed to be overhauled, or even changed. However, he did accept Alex's reasoning behind the motion that vocational education should be offered at the age of around 14 instead of being forced to persue more academic studies; whilst not agreeing them. On city academies Mr Willets' said that he was in favour of them, and stated that he believes Labour have undertaken some good work in the education system - but manipulated statistics have hidden a number of declines in education at all levels since Labour took office such as reading standards for children.

David Codling asked:
How will the Conservative Party increase literacy skills in children?

David Willetts answered:
David suggested moving away from formalised literacy and numeracy hours, allowing children a great deal more space to explore the world and to enjoy reading. Whilst Children are able to read the pieces of text given to them they take no enjoyment from it and rarely read a book cover-to-cover.