The Aims of Primary Education

The Aims Within Primary Education

The dictionary definition of an aim is to ‘point or direct at a target’ or ‘have the intention of achieving’. The second definition is most relatable to primary education. Within primary education there can be different types of aims, governmental aims; these are set by the government as national aims for British schools, and aims within particular schools; these are aims set normally by headteachers for the school as a whole to achieve. 

The aims set by the government have 3 key aspects: economy, culture and preparation for adult life. Within economy the government feels as if children must develop the ‘knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in a demanding economy’. They feel as if children, after leaving school should have developed the ability to contribute to the developing economy. This implies that the government’s main aims are to develop children in to people who can positively influence their future economy, instead of their own development. Some of the jobs within the economy now will not exist when primary school children now, will be old enough to start contributing. And many areas of the economy will not exist, this makes me consider wether these aims that the government have developed are thinking of students who struggle. For example children with English as a foreign language may not be able to contribute to the economy as well as a child with a British background; does this mean that they have not achieved the governments aims?

The government say that education the ‘hallmark of a civilised society and foundation of our culture.’ By this they imply that British culture is nearly defined by the education supplied and inspired by the country. The high standard and accessibility toward education allows it to help define British society and culture. www.gov.uk says that the core subjects within education are the ‘primary colours’ of an ‘educated persons’ palette’. But what does an educated person look like? Is an educated person a person who attended primary school, or do you only qualify if you have attended higher education? 

Within this topic I question how this particular ‘aim’ has or will change within the ever-changing environment of Britain today. The aims of primary education will surely be different for a student with ALN or a pupil with English as a foreign language. Getting these students equipped to British economy or society may not be as significantly important, however developing their life or social skills within primary education should, I feel, be seen as a priority as these areas may not be as developed as someone else in their class. 

Another aim of primary education highlighted by the government is preparation for adult life. www.gov.uk says that instilling traits in to the children such as grit optimism curiosity and persistence, is all preparing the children for life in the adult world. As such as these character traits are possibly important, I don’t feel that a lot of physical or emotional support is included within these. 

Why would the aims of primary education change?

• Society and the world after education is ever changing and will always be, having economy at the heart of education is obviously necessary, but jobs the exist now may not in twenty or fifty years. 

• Globalisation and technological advances are becoming increasingly different day to day; is this being discussed in regards to the aims of education?

• Culture, politics, scientific discoveries and research are all contributing factors also. 

The Curriculums impact over the aims of Primary Education.

Professor Graham Donaldson has conducted a curriculum review that will soon be implemented. 

(Donaldson, 2015)

In this quote he mentions the importance and influence that curriculum has over the end result of primary education, and therefore linking to the aims also. He mentions that the curriculum should develop future lives and that during the short tie that children are in education at school the time should be used productively to help each child grow as a capable, healthy and well rounded individual who can thrive in future challenges as an adult. Here, Donaldson uses the word ‘each’ highlighting his competence and understanding for children with differences as well as children viewed as the norm. A concept I didn’t see written within the aims from the government. For this reason, professors such as Donaldson are important in being a part of the education system as their input is most definitely a breath of fresh air. 

What would my aims be? 

1. My first aim would be to develop children basic literary, technological and numerical competence that can be worked upon once in secondary school. This is my first choice as a primary aim because I believe learning at school should begin with basic curricula skills.
2. My next most important aim would be to develop sociability and communication. This is because I believe after learning curriculum, learning how to communicate and be sociable is a key aspect to life. 
3. Another point would be to mould children with life skills, creating well-rounded individuals that are able to thrive within a society that changes. 

There are many more aims i could discuss but these would be my first three most important. 

Overall I believe that whilst the governments aims for primary education are correct, I feel they could be expanded and broadened so that they are more inclusive and represent every kind of learner that will experience primary school. 

References:

Donaldson, G. (2015) Successful Futures: Independent Review of Curriculum and Assesment Arrangements in Wales. Pp5. Online.

www.gov.uk . (2015). The Purpose of Education. Online