Riting

Greater extremes between the most able and least able students are also evident in writing skills. "Inspectors have not been able to detect any significant downward trend in the standards of written English. Students today are generally more versatile than they were in the past, and many can convey complex and subtle ideas with considerable skill." The report notes the broadening purposes of writing, and says, "the writing of poetry' has become an important feature of many primary classrooms. It is effective in developing a student's ideas and vocabulary" (p36).

The teaching of English as a second language is g owing rapidly, and this has been recognised in the expansion of in-service courses, language programmes, and special qualifications. Spelling has not shown the improvements of reading and some other aspects of writing. "Standards remain much the same" (p37).

Standards of spoken English have improved, more students are being given the opportunity to improve their speaking skills, there appear to be fewer shy and reluctant speakers. On the other band, it appears that listening skills may be declining slightly. Handwriting, too, seems to be suffering in a minor way.

Back to basics supporters will be interested to learn that at least half the time set down for instruction in primary schools is devoted to work in maths and English, and in secondary schools much more time is given to these subjects than is required by regulation. Research shows that attainment is directly related to the amount of time devoted to the skill, and on this basis, students are being given every opportunity in mathematics and English.